New NASA Lunar Contest Sparks Rivalry Between Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos
The US space agency has opened the lunar lander contract, previously held by SpaceX, to competition. The United States and China are engaged in a race to be the first nation to land humans on the Moon in over 50 years. A new twist is the growing rivalry between American companies vying to build the lunar landing vehicle that could secure the Moon mission for the US.
This competition could set Elon Musk against his billionaire competitor Jeff Bezos. The situation has already led to a public dispute between Musk and NASA’s acting chief, Sean Duffy, revealing tensions regarding the agency’s leadership and direction.
Background on SpaceX Lunar Lander Contract
In April 2021, SpaceX was awarded the contract to develop the lunar lander for NASA's Artemis III mission, marking the first American return to the lunar surface since Apollo 17 in 1972. The lander was planned to be based on the innovative Starship vehicle, which was under development at the company’s south Texas facility.
Since April 2023, SpaceX has conducted 11 Starship test flights. While the launches in August and October 2025 succeeded, the prior three ended with failures in the upper stage, known as the "ship"—the component designed to carry astronauts.
Growing Pressure Amid China’s Moon Ambitions
As China makes strong advances in its lunar exploration efforts, pressure has increased on SpaceX to accelerate progress, although milestones are subjectively measured. On October 20, Sean Duffy announced the decision to open the US$4 billion contract to new competition.
"A competition for the lunar lander contract opens new opportunities for American space innovation," stated Sean Duffy.
Summary
The reopening of the lunar lander contract may redefine the US Moon race, intensifying competition between top private space companies amid geopolitical tension with China.
Would you prefer a more formal or conversational tone for this text?More News
- Etihad to welcome over 2 million December passengers
- MSTY trading halt due to volatility
- Halts and Resumptions
- IOC Coordination Commission completes first venue visit for French Alps 2030 – where sports heritage meets the future of the Olympic Winter Games
- Westminster Abbey | London
- Türkiye says truck crossings halted at Ipsala, Kipi due to Greek farmers’ strike
- Publication of Honduran election results halted, official says
- Southeastern says services delayed from Canterbury West to Ashford International halted after train hits tree in Chilham
- Kate Middleton’s Brother and Sister-in-Law Attend Her Annual Christmas Carol Service at Westminster Abbey
- Metallica Turn Etihad Park Into a Hometown Show