This Week in Space 208

Lander, lander... who's got a lander? With NASA planning orbital tests of the Artemis landers in 2027 and a crewed landing in 2028, the pressure is on for SpaceX and Blue Origin to make good on their Human Landing System contracts. Who’s actually going to put American astronauts back on the Moon first? This week’s episode digs into the high-stakes race between the companies, surfacing new details and doubts about whether either lander will be ready in time. Both have to fly into Earth orbit, refuel multiple times, and perform robotic test landings on the moon (in addition to the Artemis III rendezvous and docking tests) before NASA can land astronauts on the moon — and they need to get it all done by 2028. We talk to Space.com's senior space guy, Mike Wall, about the risks and realities of the new space race to the moon.

Headlines:

• Artemis 2 Astronauts Tour White House and Late Night Shows
• Private Company Plans Asteroid Rendezvous with Apophis
• NASA’s Artemis Moon Lander Readiness and Delays

Main Topic: Lunar Landers and Artemis Program

• Artemis 4 Moon Landing Delays and Timeline Uncertainty
• SpaceX Starship vs. Blue Origin Blue Moon: Designs and Progress
• Technical Hurdles: Life Support, Refueling, and Descent Systems
• Starship’s Role as Lander, Cargo Hauler, and Potential Space Station Alternative
• Blue Origin’s Test Schedule Impacted by Launch Mishap
• International Lunar Landers: China’s Upcoming Missions
• Lunar Surface Infrastructure, Moon Bases, and Resource Rights
• Legal Uncertainty Around Moon Land Rights and Exclusion Zones
• Artemis Momentum, Funding, and Political Support
• Long-Term Prospects for Sustained Human and Robotic Lunar Presence

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• Tech: When Will SpaceX and Blue Origin Land Astronauts on the Moon?
• Transcripts: This Week in Space 208 Transcript

Links

• Artemis II crew reveal the 1st food they ate after splashing down on Earth
• 'This is going to be what makes the Earth secure.' How one California company plans to protect us from dangerous asteroids
• May's full Flower Moon delights skywatchers worldwide with stunning lunar display (photos)
• Artemis 3 has been pushed to late 2027. Can NASA still land astronauts on the moon in 2028?
• This SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket launch looks amazing from space in these wild satellite photos