NASA’s ambitious lunar exploration program has hit a major setback following the explosion of Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket during an engine-firing test in Cape Canaveral, Fla. The incident, which occurred on Thursday, has grounded Blue Origin’s plans to launch its lunar lander, the Blue Moon, and left SpaceX as the primary contender for NASA’s Artemis III mission.
SpaceX Emerges as Sole Option
With Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket now under investigation, NASA’s timeline for returning astronauts to the moon is in jeopardy. The agency had planned to use Blue Origin’s lander alongside SpaceX’s Starship variant for the Artemis III mission, which aims to dock the Orion capsule with a lunar lander in Earth orbit. However, Blue Origin’s inability to proceed has left SpaceX as the sole viable option to meet the ambitious schedule.
“Blue Origin’s inability to launch Blue Moon anytime soon is likely to put the company out of the running for Artemis III,” wrote Wendy Whitman Cobb, a professor at the U.S. Air Force School of Advanced Air and Space Studies.
Impact on NASA’s Timeline
The explosion could delay NASA’s Artemis III orbital-docking test by a year, potentially pushing the Artemis IV mission—which aims to land astronauts on the moon—back to 2028. This setback comes amid SpaceX’s preparations for its Starship lunar lander, which is still in development despite a successful test flight this month. Further delays could reopen the door for Blue Origin if it can quickly resolve the New Glenn issues.
SpaceX’s Dominance in the Space Race
The incident underscores SpaceX’s growing dominance in the space industry, particularly as the company prepares for a record-setting IPO on June 12. SpaceX, founded in 2002, has become a top launch provider for NASA and the Pentagon, capturing over 80% of global rocket launches last year. With its Starlink satellite business generating significant revenue, SpaceX is poised to cement its leadership in space exploration and defense.
For now, NASA’s lunar ambitions hinge on SpaceX’s ability to deliver, emphasizing the risks of relying on a single contractor for critical space missions.