NASA selects SpaceX and Blue Origin to deliver lunar rover and habitat to the Moon

NASA has selected SpaceX and Blue Origin to deliver a lunar rover and habitat to the Moon within the next decade. Each company will conduct a lunar cargo demonstration mission under their contracts for the Artemis program. SpaceX will use its Starship lander for the first two crewed missions, starting with Artemis III in late 2026. Blue Origin's Blue Moon lander will be used for Artemis V, with both companies now tasked to develop cargo versions of their systems for future missions. One mission aims to send a lunar rover from Japan's JAXA by 2032, while Blue Origin plans to deliver a lunar habitat as early as 2033. NASA will issue requests for proposals to both companies early next year.