NASA may drop SpaceX from Artemis moon mission amid delays

CNN reports that NASA Administrator Sean Duffy has suggested SpaceX could lose its role in the Artemis moon mission if delays with the company’s Starship rocket continue. “We’re not going to wait for one company,” Duffy said, signaling NASA’s intent to consider other providers for the lunar landing.

Source CNN

NASA currently has contracts with SpaceX and Blue Origin, but Starship’s slow progress may push the agency to shift responsibilities or reopen the bidding process. Duffy emphasized that the United States “cannot afford to fall behind,” especially as China advances its own lunar exploration program.

If SpaceX fails to meet key milestones by 2026, NASA could reissue the contract to Blue Origin or open competition to new aerospace firms. Blue Origin has already confirmed it is “ready to support” should the opportunity arise.