NASA has announced plans to utilise SpaceX’s Starship and Blue Origin’s New Glenn to transport heavy equipment to the moon. These missions will support the agency’s Artemis program, aiming to establish a sustainable human presence on the lunar surface.
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SpaceX’s Starship will be tasked with delivering a pressurized rover to the Moon, with a targeted launch date of no earlier than 2032. Blue Origin’s New Glenn, on the other hand, will transport a lunar surface habitat, with a planned launch in 2033.
Both companies are currently developing human landing systems for Artemis missions. SpaceX is responsible for Artemis III, while Blue Origin is working on Artemis V. NASA’s decision to leverage these existing systems for cargo missions will streamline development efforts and optimize resources.
The agency will issue formal proposals to SpaceX and Blue Origin early next year, with the goal of ensuring a regular cadence of Moon landings and scientific exploration. This dual-provider approach offers flexibility and redundancy, enhancing the overall success of the Artemis program.
