NASA announced plans to assign demonstration missions to SpaceX and Blue Origin as part of its Artemis lunar exploration initiative on November 19, 2024. The agency has contracted both companies to deliver significant equipment and infrastructure to the Moon's surface.
SpaceX is set to utilize its Starship cargo lander to deliver a pressurized rover, targeting no earlier than fiscal 2032. Blue Origin will focus on delivering a lunar surface habitat, anticipated by fiscal 2033.
The Artemis campaign aims to enhance lunar exploration, enabling NASA to learn how to live and work off Earth, while also laying the groundwork for future missions to Mars. This announcement follows NASA's 2023 request for both companies to develop cargo versions of their human landing systems, which are currently in development for upcoming Artemis missions.