The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has received new plans for accelerating the production of Human Landing Systems (HLS) from space exploration technology companies SpaceX and Blue Origin, and is currently evaluating them.
A NASA spokesperson confirmed through email to CNBC that the agency “has received plans from both SpaceX and Blue Origin to accelerate production of HLS (Human Landing System), and is currently evaluating them.”
The spokesperson added: “After the government shutdown ends, this agency will issue a Request for Information (RFI) to the broader aerospace industry seeking proposals. With the threats to peace and transparency on the moon from hostile forces becoming increasingly urgent, NASA is forming a committee of experts from various fields to evaluate each proposal to determine the best path to win the second space race.”
Previously, NASA had stated that SpaceX and Blue Origin had to submit new proposals for accelerating the moon landing by October 29.
SpaceX has submitted a “simplified mission” plan to NASA to achieve the goal of astronauts returning to the moon. This comes after criticism from NASA’s acting administrator Sean Duffy regarding delays in the project.
In a blog post published on Thursday, the aerospace and defense contractor founded by Musk stated, “We have submitted and officially evaluated a simplified mission framework and operational concept, which we believe can expedite the return to the moon process while enhancing crew safety.”
Earlier this month, Duffy stated on CNBC’s “Squawk Box” that SpaceX’s development of the moon landing system for the Artemis III mission was behind schedule, prompting NASA to reopen bidding for moon missions, allowing Jeff Bezos’ rocket manufacturing company Blue Origin to compete.
SpaceX’s reusable giant cargo rocket “Starship” has completed 11 unmanned test flights to date. The last two flights were deemed successful, but the company has not yet demonstrated all the in-orbit refueling capabilities required for the Artemis III manned moon mission.
Meanwhile, Blue Origin is developing a lunar lander for NASA. Since signing the contract in 2023, Blue Origin has received approximately $835 million in funds from NASA. The company plans to launch a smaller version of its lunar lander, named “Blue Moon Mark 1.”
At the same time, China plans to achieve manned moon landings by 2030. In addition to the moon landing program, China also announced this week that it will send a new crew to the Tiangong space station.
According to the “Starship Human Landing System” (Starship HLS) contract signed between NASA and SpaceX, SpaceX will receive payment upon reaching each milestone goal.
According to USA Spending data tracking federal contracts, NASA has paid SpaceX approximately $2.7 billion for the “design, development, manufacturing, testing, launch, demonstration, and engineering support” of the HLS rocket.
NASA also needs to pay SpaceX approximately $300 million as an incentive for reaching milestones. If SpaceX completes all milestone goals, Musk’s company can receive a total of $4.5 billion from the HLS contract, including an additional $1.5 billion.
On Thursday, SpaceX stated in an article on its company blog that over 90% of the project’s funding is “self-funded,” suggesting that the company has invested over $30 billion.