Space

NASA, Partners Accelerate Lander Development for 2028 Moon Missions

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Based on a feed excerpt; full article content has not been acquired. Source evidence retrieved 23/10/2026, 22:50:24 UTC.

Briefings

NASA, Blue Origin, and SpaceX have redefined crewed lunar lander operations for 2028 Artemis missions. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman stated the agency is energized to complete the 2028 return and establish a Moon Base. Blue Origin will use three transfer stages to send its Blue Moon Mark 2 Alpha Lander to the Moon in an elliptical polar orbit, reducing propellant needs compared to previous near-rectilinear halo orbit plans. SpaceX will demonstrate propellant aggregation in low Earth orbit using its Starship lander before the crewed mission.

Key points

• NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman stated the agency is energized to complete the 2028 return and establish a Moon Base.
• Blue Origin will use three transfer stages to send its Blue Moon Mark 2 Alpha Lander to the Moon in an elliptical polar orbit, reducing propellant needs compared to previous near-rectilinear halo orbit plans.

Context

NASA, Blue Origin, and SpaceX have streamlined designs for future crewed landers. Artemis III will demonstrate rendezvous and docking between test landers and Orion in low Earth orbit next year. Blue Origin's Blue Moon Mark 2 Alpha Lander will use three transfer stages to reach the Moon in an elliptical polar orbit, while SpaceX will demonstrate propellant aggregation in low Earth orbit prior to the crewed mission.

Limitations

Evidence is limited to current operational plans for Artemis III and near-term missions. Specific dates for uncrewed demonstration missions are not provided. Future lander readiness and final company selection for the 2028 crewed mission remain uncertain.

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