SpaceX wins NASA contract to develop human landing system for returning to the moon |
NASA and SpaceX are intensifying their collaboration under the Artemis program, with the ambitious goal of returning humans to the Moon and establishing a sustainable exploration presence by the end of the decade. SpaceX’s Starship spacecraft has been chosen to serve as the Human Landing System (HLS), integral to these lunar missions.
The Artemis program, named after the Greek goddess of the Moon and sister to Apollo, aims to land the first woman and the next man on the Moon. It also seeks to make history by landing the first person of color on the lunar surface. The missions will begin with the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, which will launch astronauts aboard the Orion spacecraft on a multi-day journey to lunar orbit.
Upon reaching lunar orbit, two astronauts will transfer to the SpaceX Starship HLS for the descent to the Moon’s surface. The Starship HLS is designed for full reusability, which will significantly reduce the cost and increase the frequency of lunar missions. Its spacious cabin and dual airlocks are designed to accommodate moonwalks, making it a critical component for sustainable lunar exploration.
NASA and SpaceX are closely working together to ensure that the Starship HLS meets all necessary performance and human spaceflight standards. This partnership marks a significant step toward achieving long-term lunar exploration and paves the way for future missions to Mars and beyond.
As preparations for Artemis I continue, the world watches with anticipation, knowing that this collaboration between NASA and SpaceX holds the potential to reshape our understanding of space exploration and our place in the universe.
