CLPS
SpaceX wins contracts for lunar lander, environmental satellite launches
SpaceX secured contracts Jan. 13 for the launches of a commercial lunar lander mission backed by NASA as well as a privately funded satellite to track methane emissions.
Japanese lunar lander company ispace opens U.S. office
A Japanese company developing commercial lunar landers has opened an office in the United States in a bid to win more business from NASA’s Artemis program.
NASA awards contracts for lunar technologies and ice prospecting payload
NASA has awarded more than $400 million in contracts to both demonstrate technologies needed for future lunar exploration and to send an ice-drilling payload to the south pole of the moon.
NASA inspector general criticizes high-risk approach to CLPS program
NASA’s inspector general warned in a recent report that the agency’s planetary science division was taking “undue risk” in its current approach to a commercial lunar transportation program.
SpaceX to launch Masten lunar lander
Masten Space Systems announced Aug. 26 that it signed a contract with SpaceX for the launch of its first lunar lander mission carrying a suite of payloads for NASA.
Astrobotic wins NASA contract to deliver VIPER lunar rover
NASA has selected Astrobotic to deliver a rover to the surface of the moon in late 2023 to prospect for water ice that could support future human missions.
OHB and IAI plan commercial lunar lander mission in late 2022
German space company OHB is moving ahead with plans to launch a commercial lunar lander mission in cooperation with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) in late 2022 as it looks for government and commercial customers.
Op-ed | Taking stock of NASA Commercial Lunar Payload Services progress
With the countdown on, it is a good time to reflect on the progress made by the NASA Commercial Lunar Payload Services program and think about what is to come in the near future.
Firefly signs launch agreement with Spaceflight
Firefly Aerospace has signed a contract with Spaceflight to be the primary customer for a rideshare mission on Firefly’s Alpha small launch vehicle in 2021.
Intuitive Machines selects landing site for CLPS mission
Intuitive Machines has identified a landing site for a commercial lunar lander mission next year that will carry payloads from NASA and other customers.
Masten wins NASA lunar lander award
NASA announced April 8 it has selected Masten Space Systems to fly a suite of payloads to the south pole of the moon in late 2022.
NASA seeks bids to deliver VIPER lunar lander
NASA is asking companies in its commercial lunar landing services program to bid on delivering a NASA rover whose launch has been slightly delayed.
Industry puzzled by NASA withdrawal of CLPS task order
NASA has reissued a task order for its commercial lunar lander services program whose withdrawal, without explanation, in late January frustrated many of the companies involved.
NASA postpones procurement of lander for VIPER lunar rover
NASA has delayed the release of a task order that’s part of its commercial lunar lander program for the delivery of a rover at the south pole of the moon, a decision some lander companies have quietly welcomed.
CLPS companies worry about increased competition for limited contracts
As NASA adds new companies to a commercial lunar landing services program, some existing participants worry its value to them may now be diminished.
