lunar lander
Study recommends minimizing elements for Artemis lunar lander
A study by a space propulsion company concludes that a human return to the moon by 2024 will require minimizing the launches needed for the lunar lander and also using storable, rather than cryogenic, propellants.
NASA takes Gateway off the critical path for 2024 lunar return
A revised plan for returning astronauts to the surface of the moon by 2024 will no longer rely on the use of a lunar Gateway, although NASA’s human spaceflight head says the agency is still committed to eventually developing it.
First SLS launch now expected in second half of 2021
A top NASA official said Feb. 28 he expects the first flight of the Space Launch System to take place in the second half of 2021, a later date than prior agency statements.
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.
White House requests significant NASA budget increase to fund Artemis program
The White House is proposing to increase NASA’s budget by more than two and a half billion dollars in fiscal year 2021, providing substantially increased funding for the Artemis program while seeking once again to cancel several science and education programs.
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.
Blue Origin to test lunar lander engine at Air Force lab
Blue Origin will perform tests of the engine it is developing for its Blue Moon lunar lander at a U.S. Air Force Research Lab test site, the two organizations announced Jan. 27.
Dynetics, Sierra Nevada bidding on Artemis lunar lander
A team led by Dynetics that includes Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) is among the bidders for a NASA program to develop landers that will carry astronauts to the surface of the moon.
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.
India confirms plans for second lunar lander mission
The head of India’s space agency confirmed Jan. 1 that it will attempt a second lunar landing, making that mission one of the top priorities of India’s space program.
Bridenstine asks Congress to fully fund lunar lander program quickly
NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine used a Dec. 5 speech on Capitol Hill to implore Congress to finish a fiscal year 2020 appropriations bill for NASA as soon as possible to give the agency funding to proceed on a lunar lander program.
NASA orbiter spots crash site of Indian lunar lander
NASA, with the assistance of an amateur image analyst, has identified the crash site of India’s Vikram lunar lander, the agency announced Dec. 2.
New details emerge about failed lunar landings
The Indian government has offered new details about what happened during its first attempt to land on the moon in September.
NASA adds five companies to commercial lunar lander program
NASA announced Nov. 18 that it was adding five companies to a contract to perform commercial deliveries of payloads to the surface of the moon, a group that ranges from small ventures to Blue Origin and SpaceX.
NASA warns budget uncertainty could slow exploration programs
A NASA official warned that extended delays in finalizing a fiscal year 2020 budget for the agency could have implications for its ability to stay on schedule for returning humans to the moon in 2024.
Boeing offers SLS-launched lunar lander to NASA
Boeing announced Nov. 5 that it has submitted a proposal to NASA to develop a lunar lander that could be launched in a single piece on a Space Launch System rocket.
