spacetoday.net: NASA picks SpaceX to develop Artemis lunar lander

Posted: Fri, Apr 23, 2021, 5:51 PM ET (2151 GMT)
Starship lunar lander (SpaceX)

NASA selected SpaceX to develop a lunar lander for the Artemis program. NASA announced Friday it awarded a $2.89 billion contract to SpaceX for the Human Landing System (HLS) program, funding both development of a lander based on SpaceX's Starship vehicle and one crewed flight to the lunar surface. SpaceX beat out Blue Origin and Dynetics, the other two companies that received initial HLS awards nearly a year ago. NASA had discussed making two HLS awards in order to maintain competition in the program, but said that the costs of the landers and the limited budget available allowed it to select only SpaceX, which submitted the lowest bid. NASA said that it will accelerate planning for a follow-on contract for lunar lander services.