NASA’s Management of the Human Landing System Contracts

NASA is working with SpaceX and Blue Origin to develop lunar landers that will enable crew to descend to the lunar surface, temporarily live and work there, and ascend back to lunar orbit. While NASA has controlled contract costs and effectively collaborated with the providers, lander development challenges will delay planned Artemis launch dates. NASA is also taking actions to mitigate and prevent hazards associated with the landers, but does not currently have the capability to rescue crew should they become stranded in space or on the lunar surface.