NASA wants to land astronauts on the moon in 2028. Will SpaceX’s Starship or Blue Origin’s Blue Moon lander be ready in time?
space.com May 5, 2026

NASA wants to land astronauts on the moon in 2028. Will SpaceX’s Starship or Blue Origin’s Blue Moon lander be ready in time?

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

NASA has revised its Artemis 3 plan, shifting the focus from a 2028 lunar landing to an Earth-orbit rendezvous in late 2027. The mission will test the agency's Orion spacecraft and moon landers, including SpaceX's Starship HLS and Blue Origin's Blue Moon, in preparation for a lunar landing attempt in 2028. Both landers are in development and face tight deadlines for future missions.

💡 Why It Matters

  • · The success of these private companies will determine whether the US can establish a sustainable presence on the moon by 2028.
  • · If SpaceX and Blue Origin fail to meet their deadlines, NASA's lunar ambitions may be delayed, while their success could pave the way for a new era of space exploration and development.