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NASA chose SpaceX by Elon Musk and Blue Origin by Jeff Bezos to develop technology to bring humans to the Moon.
The United States government space agency said the two companies, as well as veteran aerospace Dynetics, would develop their own systems in parallel, in preparation for humanity’s first return to the moon since 1972.
Challenged by United States President Donald Trump to complete a lunar mission in 2024, the agency chose the three companies from a broader field that included its embattled rival Boeing.
The combined contracts of $ 967 million (€ 880 million) will see each of the three companies develop their own moon landing devices, with a full payment that will depend on the companies reaching various milestones over a 10-month period.
“This is the last piece we need to get to the moon” by 2024, said NASA Administrator Jim Brindestine.
Over the next 10 months, each company will refine its concept and NASA will decide which lander to test first.
Bridenstine said NASA will go with the company that has the highest probability of success by 2024.
Elon Musk’s SpaceX unveiled the Starship spacecraft and Super Heavy Launcher, its largest rocket designed to take humans to Mars or further afield.
Mr. Bezos’ company will develop its Integrated Lander Vehicle and the New Glenn rocket, also the largest.
The other two companies, Boeing and Vivace, submitted offers but were eliminated from the start, leaving all three contracts awarded. Blue Origin made over half of the total amount, $ 579 million, more than four times more than SpaceX’s $ 135 million. Dynetics was in the middle, with $ 253 million.
SpaceX’s proposed lander is so high that astronauts will use an elevator to get to and from the lunar surface. The Blue Origin version comes with a grand staircase, according to artistic renderings.
Dynetics’ lander is so close to the ground that it only takes a few steps, such as a front porch, a feature that NASA rated highly for its safety and efficiency.
SpaceX is using its own Starship spacecraft, still in development in Texas, and its own rockets. Blue Origin and Dynetics are partnering with numerous subcontractors, including commercial launch companies.
Commercialization, Bridenstine said, will reduce costs and increase access. It is based on NASA’s commercial cargo and crew programs for the International Space Station. Just last November, SpaceX and Blue Origin were among the companies that won contracts to make cargo deliveries to the moon. SpaceX will launch its first manned flight next month, when it takes two astronauts to the International Space Station.
NASA wants Artemis’ new moon landing program to be sustainable, unlike Apollo, with multiple missions and multiple locations on the lunar surface. While only one company will carry the first woman and the next man to the lunar surface, all three will participate in the long term, authorities said.
By learning to live and work on the moon, NASA will be better equipped to send astronauts to Mars, Bridenstine said.
Irish Independent
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