Blue Origin Advances Lunar Missions Amid Artemis 3 Uncertainty

Blue Origin is making significant strides in its lunar exploration efforts, even as uncertainties surround NASA’s Artemis 3 mission. The company is expected to launch its uncrewed Blue Moon Mk. 1 lander to the Moon’s South Pole as early as late 2025, while continuing to develop plans for the crewed Blue Moon Mk. 2 lander for the upcoming Artemis 5 mission.

During a panel discussion at the American Astronautical Society’s 2025 von Braun Space Exploration Symposium, Jacqueline Cortese, Blue Origin’s Senior Director of Civil Space, outlined the company’s ambitious plans for lunar missions. The panel, titled “Artemis 3 and Beyond: Establishing a Permanent Lunar Presence,” highlighted Blue Origin’s commitment to facilitating both astronaut and cargo flights to the Moon.

The Blue Moon Mk. 1 lander, currently undergoing final assembly in Florida, is set to play a crucial role in the development of the crewed Blue Moon Mk. 2. Standing at 8.1 meters tall, Mk. 1 will be used primarily for demonstration purposes, carrying NASA’s SCALPSS (Stereo Cameras for Lunar-Plume Surface Studies) and LRA (Laser Retroreflective Array) payloads. Cortese indicated that the vehicle is equipped with numerous sensors to gather critical data during its mission.

Upcoming Launch and Production Plans

Cortese revealed that the Mk. 1 lander is being assembled at Blue Origin’s dedicated production facility located in Port Canaveral, Florida. She stated, “A big milestone for you to look out for online is that Mk. 1 is three modules that are being stacked as we speak.” Once the stacking process is complete, the vehicle will be transported to NASA’s Johnson Space Center for a comprehensive thermal vacuum campaign.

While the Mk. 1 can be launched with a single flight of Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket, the larger Mk. 2 requires orbital refueling. The company is already ramping up production for additional Mk. 1 landers, with the aft section of the second vehicle currently undergoing structural testing.

Cortese emphasized that the first Mk. 1 lander will not carry the full payload capacity, as it is intended for demonstration. “This vehicle itself is intended to grow into a production line,” she noted, highlighting the potential for future lunar missions.

Challenges and Opportunities in Lunar Transportation

Blue Origin’s plan to send astronauts to the Moon faces challenges, particularly regarding the development of a safe transport system. In May 2023, NASA awarded Blue Origin a firm-fixed price contract valued at $3.4 billion to create a crewed lander for the Artemis 5 mission, originally scheduled for 2029.

This contract stipulates that Blue Origin must conduct at least one uncrewed landing demonstration of the Blue Moon Mk. 2 before it can transport NASA astronauts as part of the Human Landing System (HLS) program. As Cortese explained, the Mk. 2 lander will utilize a Lunar Transporter for in-space cryogenic propellant transfer.

Blue Origin has made substantial progress in its cryogenic capabilities, with Cortese stating they are now achieving temperatures of 90 Kelvin and 20 Kelvin in lab environments. Recent tests of the Blue Origin Utility Transfer Mechanism at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center suggest that the company is on track to meet its ambitious timelines.

The company is also collaborating closely with NASA on the habitation module of the Blue Moon Mk. 2, which will house two astronauts during their missions. Cortese noted that Blue Origin has decided to insource many environmental control and life support systems to enhance the robustness of its operations.

The backdrop of these developments is the uncertainty surrounding the Artemis 3 mission. NASA Acting Administrator Sean Duffy announced plans to reopen the contract for Artemis 3 due to delays faced by SpaceX in its development of the HLS. SpaceX’s Starship, which was awarded a $2.89 billion contract for Artemis 3, has experienced significant delays, prompting Duffy to seek alternative solutions.

Duffy expressed optimism about opening the contract to other companies like Blue Origin, stating, “Whatever one can get us there first, to the Moon, we’re gonna take.” This has led to speculation about potential opportunities for Blue Origin to step in if SpaceX cannot meet its obligations.

Cortese, while acknowledging the competitive environment, remained cautious about revealing too much. She mentioned, “We have a lot of ideas,” suggesting that Blue Origin is prepared to adapt to any new opportunities that arise.

As the space industry continues to evolve, Blue Origin’s advancements in lunar exploration may position the company to play a pivotal role in humanity’s return to the Moon. With critical missions ahead and a focus on sustainable lunar presence, Blue Origin is set to contribute significantly to the next chapter of space exploration.