NASA SpaceX Blue Origin Lunar Lander
NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine announced yesterday three private companies that will develop, build and fly lunar landers, with the goal of returning astronauts to the moon in 2024 and eventually, Mars. They are: SpaceX in Hawthorne, California, led by Elon Musk; Blue Origin in Kent, Washington, founded by Amazon’s Jeff Bezos; and Dynetics, a Huntsville, Alabama subsidiary of Leidos. The contracts for the initial 10-month period total $967 million. Read more for two videos and additional information.



Within the next 10 months, each of these companies will refine its design and NASA will decide which lander to test first. NASA will use its own Orion capsules and Space Launch System rockets to launch humans to the moon. Two other companies, Boeing and Vivace, put in bids but were turned away early on.

LEGO Creator Expert NASA Apollo 11 Lunar Lander 10266 Building Toy Set for Ages 16+ (1087 Pieces)
5,936 Reviews
LEGO Creator Expert NASA Apollo 11 Lunar Lander 10266 Building Toy Set for Ages 16+ (1087 Pieces)
  • Detailed Lunar Replica - Features a detailed Eagle lunar lander replica with lunar surface, crater, footprints, and U.S. flag for a realistic space...
  • Realistic Modular Model - This modular set includes a descent stage with gold-colored landing pads, panels, opening camera, laser hatches, and movable...
  • Ascent Stage Interior - The ascent stage boasts a detailed interior with room for 2 astronaut minifigures, finished with an Apollo 11 Lunar Lander...

This is the model we’ve used for commercial cargo, commercial crew, and Commercial Lunar Payload Services. We’ve proven that an early study and refinement phase, followed by demonstrations, then by services contracts is an effective approach to commercial development for space transportation services for which NASA hopes to be just one of several customers,” said Marshall Smith, director of human lunar exploration programs at NASA Headquarters in Washington, referring to the precursor development and demonstration activities like COTS, CCiCAP, and Lunar CATALYST, respectively.

Author

A technology, gadget and video game enthusiast that loves covering the latest industry news. Favorite trade show? Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.