NASA Awards $590 Million in Lunar Lander Contracts for 2028

NASA has announced $590 million in new contracts to three companies for four commercial lunar lander missions slated for late 2028, advancing the agency's Moon Base program under Artemis. The missions will deliver scientific payloads to the lunar surface, supporting the long-term goal of a permanent outpost near the south pole.

New contracts

Astrobotic received the largest award, $297.9 million for two deliveries, while Firefly Aerospace and Intuitive Machines each secured contracts for one mission ($144.2 million and $148.3 million, respectively) Source: elespanol. These companies, part of NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative, will use upgraded versions of previously flown landers to increase flight cadence Source: abces.

Setback for Blue Origin

Plans to launch Blue Origin's Blue Moon Mark 1 Endurance lander on the New Glenn rocket this September were disrupted by a May engine test explosion that destroyed the launch pad Source: elmundoes. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman expressed support for Blue Origin, saying the company has responded "in an impressive way" Source: elmundoes. However, Moon Base director Carlos García-Galán noted that if Blue Origin is not ready by the required timeline, "we will look at other launch options" Source: listindiario. The agency remains optimistic that New Glenn could fly by year's end Source: elmundoes.

Future outlook

NASA is also considering sending a rover named PROMISE, based on the Perseverance design, to characterize the lunar surface and prospect for resources Source: elespanol. In a lighter note, García-Galán promised to send a soccer ball to the Moon if the US wins the World Cup Source: abces.