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2028 Moon Landing: NASA Waits on Lander Tests
25 Oct
Summary
- NASA delays moon lander decision until testing proves superiority.
- Artemis III mission to test landers in Earth orbit first.
- China aims for lunar landing by 2030, intensifying space race.
NASA is prioritizing its Artemis moon program, aiming for a 2028 lunar landing by deferring the final selection of a lander provider between SpaceX and Blue Origin. The agency will base its decision on comprehensive testing results, ensuring the most capable vehicle is chosen.
The Artemis III mission, scheduled for launch next year, will serve as a crucial precursor. Astronauts will rendezvous and dock with both a Blue Origin test lander and a SpaceX Starship upper stage in Earth orbit. This allows for testing of life support, communications, and docking procedures close to home before committing to unpiloted lunar test flights.
This revised strategy offers a contingency for potential supply chain disruptions or technical setbacks faced by either company. NASA aims to secure a viable path to the moon in 2028, even as China targets a lunar landing by 2030, escalating the international space race.
Both SpaceX and Blue Origin are expected to have lunar landing missions ready by 2028. The successful demonstration of reliable heavy-lift rocket launches, in-space refueling, and safe lunar landings will be critical for either provider to be selected for the Artemis IV mission.
