NASA is working with SpaceX and Blue Origin to simplify requirements for their Human Landing Systems, aiming for a 2028 moon landing. Lori Glaze, head of NASA's deep space exploration, said both companies have submitted proposals to speed up development by avoiding complex orbits. Officials are analyzing compatibility with the Orion spacecraft.
NASA's Artemis II mission is progressing smoothly, with the Orion capsule set for reentry through Earth's atmosphere on Friday. The agency has contracted SpaceX's Starship and Blue Origin's Blue Moon as Human Landing Systems, or HLS, for lunar missions. Last year, both companies proposed accelerating timelines by skipping the near-rectilinear halo orbit, or NRHO, requirement around the planned Lunar Gateway. NASA has since removed that stipulation to reduce fuel demands, known as delta-V, for reaching and returning from the lunar surface. Glaze noted in an interview that lower orbits benefit the landers but increase demands on Orion, requiring careful balancing of power and thermal interactions. She added, “We’ve got their proposals. They’ve each brought in some good proposals. They’ve taken this very seriously.” Proposed changes include docking in low-Earth orbit by 2027 and simplifying surface operations, such as communication systems and limits on crew distance from the lander to cut mass. Glaze expressed confidence, stating, “I think we really have seen real commitment to try and do that... from both Blue and from SpaceX.” Key milestones this year include SpaceX's in-flight propellant transfer demonstration, delayed but still planned for later, and Blue Origin's Blue Moon Mk. 1 launch to test propulsion, guidance, navigation, and landing in lunar conditions. An uncrewed lunar demo would follow Artemis III. NASA is also evaluating whether to use its last Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage on Artemis III or save it for Artemis IV.
