NASA to award contracts to SpaceX and Blue Origin to carry heavy cargo to the moon

NASA’s Moon Cargo Missions

NASA is planning future cargo missions to the moon despite slow progress with the Artemis moon landing project. The agency recently announced that SpaceX and Blue Origin will receive extended contracts to develop heavy-duty cargo services for lunar missions.

SpaceX will transport a lunar rover developed by Japan’s JAXA, while Blue Origin will handle a habitat module for long-term lunar stays. The launch dates for these missions are unclear; SpaceX aims for a mission in 2032, and Blue Origin in 2033.

Both companies are also developing crewed lunar landing systems for the Artemis missions: SpaceX for Artemis III and Blue Origin for Artemis V. NASA is preparing for a long-term base on the moon and has tasked these companies with developing cargo versions of lunar landers. Each lander could carry 12,000 to 15,000 kilograms of equipment.

The cargo missions will not focus on bulk supplies or scientific research equipment. Instead, they will deliver complete items. For instance, the lunar rover must be designed for easy unloading from the lander’s cargo bay onto the moon’s surface. NASA plans to send specific requirements to SpaceX and Blue Origin early next year.

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