On October 20, 2025, NASA acting administrator Sean Duffy reopened the lunar lander competition after recognizing that current timelines may not align with U.S. geopolitical objectives. Both SpaceX and Blue Origin hold existing contracts but must now propose accelerated solutions for Artemis III, targeting 2027.[1][2][3]
Blue Origin CEO Dave Limp stated that the company would “move heaven and earth” to support faster lunar return. The company proposes adapting its existing Mk. 1 cargo lander for crewed missions, supplemented by a modified Mk. 1.5 variant, leveraging completed development work over building new systems from scratch.[4][5]
Why NASA Reopened Lunar Lander Competition
NASA faces mounting pressure to achieve crewed lunar landing before 2030. China has officially announced a 2030 crewed lunar landing goal, prompting U.S. strategic acceleration. Current SpaceX Starship HLS architecture requires up to 20 orbital refueling missions, adding technical complexity and schedule risk.[5][6]
Key acceleration drivers include:
- China’s 2030 crewed lunar landing announcement.
- SpaceX Starship propellant transfer demonstration postponed to 2026.
- Congressional pressure to demonstrate leadership before Chinese achievement.
- Recognition that 2027 timeline unrealistic under present architecture.
- Need for architectural diversity reducing single-provider dependency.
Blue Origin’s Lunar Architecture Proposal
Blue Origin proposes simplifying lunar descent through existing Mk. 1 design leveraging, rather than developing new Mk. 2 architecture for Artemis III. The company uses cislunar refueling via Lockheed Martin Cislunar Transporter, avoiding complex low-Earth orbit tanker operations required by Starship.[5]
Lander Design Comparison
| Feature | Mk. 1 Cargo | Mk. 1.5 Modified | Mk. 2 Sustainable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Development Status | Near completion | Conceptual modification | Under development |
| Engine Type | BE-7 hydrolox | BE-7 hydrolox | BE-7 hydrolox |
| Payload Capacity | Lower | Medium | 20–30 metric tons |
| Primary Mission | Cargo supply | Crewed acceleration | Long-term presence |
New Glenn NG-2 Mission and Booster Recovery
Blue Origin launched New Glenn’s second flight on November 9, 2025, carrying NASA’s ESCAPADE Mars mission spacecraft. The rocket’s first stage features seven BE-4 engines producing 3.8 million pounds of thrust.[7][8]
Launch parameters included:
- Opening: 2:45 PM ET, November 9, 2025.
- Window duration: 88 minutes (closing 4:13 PM ET).
- Recovery vessel: Droneship Jacklyn, Atlantic Ocean.
- Booster designation: GS1-SN002 (“Never Tell Me The Odds”).
January 2025 Landing Attempt and Modifications
Blue Origin’s January 16, 2025 inaugural New Glenn flight demonstrated successful orbital performance but booster landing failed. During the landing burn at approximately 3 kilometers altitude, engine reignition initiated but failed to sustain operation for controlled descent.[9][4]
Modifications implemented for NG-2 included:
- Enhanced propellant conditioning systems for cryogenic stability.
- Redesigned engine start-and-shutdown sequences for landing burns.
- Modified valve timing and sequencing protocols.
- Improved thermal management of propellant lines.
- Additional engine ignition system redundancy.
CEO Limp expressed cautious optimism these modifications would restore booster landing capability on November 9.[4]
Artemis Program Timeline and Strategic Competition
NASA’s Artemis program maintains three parallel missions. Artemis II (April 2026) will conduct crewed lunar flyby with no landing. Artemis III targets 2027 for first crewed landing since Apollo 17. Artemis IV and V will expand sustainable lunar operations.[2][10]
The availability of two distinct landing systems—SpaceX’s high-capacity Starship and Blue Origin’s streamlined approach—enables NASA to match mission objectives to available capabilities rather than forcing all missions through single architectural pathway.[5]
