NASA has selected SpaceX’s Starship for sustained lunar exploration, aiming to support long-term human presence on the Moon by transporting crew and significant cargo efficiently and safely.
In a recent announcement, NASA revealed modifications to its contract with SpaceX to further develop the Starship human landing system. Originally chosen to create a lunar lander for transporting astronauts between lunar orbit and the Moon’s surface as part of the Artemis III mission, which marks humanity’s return to the Moon since 1972’s Apollo program, SpaceX will now be involved in a second human landing demonstration during NASA’s Artemis IV mission.
In addition to this, SpaceX will showcase Starship’s capability to dock with Gateway, a small space station orbiting the Moon. The Gateway station will facilitate lunar and deep-space exploration, accommodating four crew members, and transporting essential supplies, equipment, and scientific payloads required for extensive surface exploration.
SpaceX’s Starship and Super Heavy rocket form a fully reusable launch, propellant delivery, rendezvous, and planetary lander system, offering robust capabilities and safety features specially designed to support these crucial missions. Being part of NASA’s Artemis Program is an honor for SpaceX, as they play a pivotal role in returning humanity to the Moon and initiating a new chapter in human space exploration.