NASA Selects SpaceX, Blue Origin to Build Human Landers for Artemis Moon Missions

May. 1, 2020

NASA on Thursday announced that it has selected three U.S. companies to design and develop human landing systems (HLS) that will help astronauts land on the moon as part of the agency’s ‘Artemis’ program.The companies that won the contact include Elon Musk’s SpaceX, Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin, and a defense supplier called Dyneticsthat’s led by the former Director of NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, David A. King.

According to the official press release, the three companies offered three distinct lander and mission designs, which will drive a broader range of technology development and, ultimately, more sustainability for lunar surface access.The notable absentee on the list is the Seattle-based aerospace giant, Boeing, which has played a major role in most of NASA’s human spaceflight programs up until now.

According to NASA, it is returning to the Moon for scientific discovery, economic benefits and inspiration for a new generation. The agency also expects that the experiences of this project will help it build a new habitat, rovers, power systems and other technologies that will be required for human exploration of Mars.

Featured Image Courtesy: NASA

Passionate techie. Professional tech writer. Proud geek.