Overview
- SpaceX says it has submitted and is formally assessing a simplified mission architecture intended to speed a lunar return and enhance crew safety.
- NASA confirmed it received acceleration plans from both SpaceX and Blue Origin and is assembling subject matter experts to evaluate options before issuing an industry RFI.
- Critical demonstrations for Starship HLS remain outstanding, with SpaceX targeting a long‑duration orbital flight and ship‑to‑ship propellant transfer in 2026, contingent on the rollout of the Starship V3 architecture.
- SpaceX reports 49 HLS milestones completed and 11 Starship test flights; NASA contract records show about $2.7 billion paid to date on a fixed‑price, milestone basis toward a potential $4.5 billion total, and SpaceX says it has self‑funded roughly 90% of Starship development.
- Blue Origin holds a separate HLS award for a later Artemis landing and has received about $835 million so far; a company executive said an uncrewed Blue Moon Mark 1 mission could fly as soon as this year, pending development progress.