An SLS powered crewed mission marks a turning point in NASA’s lunar strategy. Private landers are set to reshape future Artemis landings.

Artemis II is often seen as NASA’s last lunar mission without substantial involvement from private companies in Silicon Valley. This coincided with the United States sending astronauts to the Moon for the first time in 54 years – a milestone that underscores changes in the space industry and the role of private players in deep space.

The origins of the current lunar campaign trace back to the second Bush administration, which began development of a massive rocket and the Orion spacecraft with the aim of returning to the surface of the Moon. Over time the project grew within budgetary constraints and was reformed, and it was merged with a new program supporting private companies that develop rockets and systems for orbital operations.

As a result, the SLS rocket appeared – the most powerful operational rocket in the world today, capable of carrying a crew of four Americans and one Canadian around the Moon and back. The SLS became a cornerstone of the program, and previously it conducted a test flight with an empty Orion in preparation for future missions.

“This architecture – the one which, to my knowledge, no NASA administrator would ever choose if given a choice.”

– Jim Bridenstine

In 2023, Blue Origin joined the program to develop its own landing module. NASA is now running a procurement competition: in 2027 Orion is to depart from orbit and connect with one or both landers, after which two potential landings could occur in 2028.

Transition to a New Public-Private Partnership Model

This transition underscores the growing role of the private sector in future interplanetary missions, while Artemis II is regarded as the last lunar mission without substantial involvement from Silicon Valley. Such moves stimulate the development of interplanetary technologies and shape a new balance between government coordination and private development.

Visible Pathways for the Future

Although exact dates may change, the Artemis program in the future promises more joint launches, lander development, and landing systems that will enable not only a return to the Moon but also extended missions into deep space.