Lander Laggard Larry

NASA opens Artemis III lunar-lander contract to rivals amid SpaceX delays

Published October 21, 2025

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A satirical trading card capturing the chaos when NASA hits the "reset" button on its moon-landing contract because SpaceX's lander is falling behind schedule - and the U.S. space race gets a new challenger.

The Real Story

On October 20-21 2025, NASA acting administrator Sean Duffy disclosed that the agency would open up its previously exclusive lunar-lander contract for the Artemis III mission to competition, citing delays by SpaceX in developing its Starship lander. Duffy emphasized the need to maintain momentum and beat rival nations such as China in the renewed moon race. The move signals a shift in NASA’s approach, inviting companies such as Blue Origin to vie for the contract and reaffirming the U.S. commitment to lunar leadership.

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