New Companies Join Growing Ranks of NASA Partners for Artemis Program

TL;DR

NASA has selected Blue Origin, Ceres Robotics, Sierra Nevada Corporation, SpaceX, and Tyvak Nano-Satellite Systems as new industry partners for the Artemis program, aiming to send the first woman and next man to the Moon by 2024.

Transcript

Hello. I'm NASA associate administrator for science Thomas Zurbuchen. NASA is going to the moon with the Artemis program and American companies of all sizes want to help our nation make its next giant leap. It is my pleasure to announce the companies who are joining the pool of NASA industry partners who will help our nation enable the first woman ... Read More

Key Insights

• 👾 NASA has announced five new industry partners for its Artemis program, highlighting the growing involvement of commercial companies in space exploration.
• 🎟️ The selection of Blue Origin, Sierra Nevada Corporation, and SpaceX demonstrates the significant role of private spacecraft and landers in upcoming Moon missions.
• 👨‍🔬 The CLPS program will contribute to scientific research and the development of technologies necessary for future human missions to Mars.
• 👾 NASA's collaboration with industry partners signifies the importance of public-private partnerships in advancing space exploration capabilities.
• 🛩️ The inclusion of Tyvak Nano-Satellite Systems highlights the increasing relevance of small satellite technologies for lunar missions.
• 🎟️ The affordability and reusability of SpaceX's Starship spacecraft are valued attributes for the CLPS program and future lunar missions.
• 🛰️ The CLPS program provides opportunities for companies to leverage their experience in satellite development, cargo resupply services, and other space-related projects for lunar exploration.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the purpose of NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program?

The CLPS program aims to send science and technology demonstrations to the lunar surface, allowing NASA to study the Moon and test technologies that will be essential for future human missions to Mars.

Q: Which companies have been newly selected as NASA industry partners?

The new CLPS participants are Blue Origin, Ceres Robotics, Sierra Nevada Corporation, SpaceX, and Tyvak Nano-Satellite Systems.

Q: What is Blue Origin's contribution to the Artemis program?

Blue Origin will provide its Blue Moon lander, featuring the BE 7 engine, a flexible payload deck, and sufficient power to operate during lunar days and nights, supporting exploration and scientific investigations on the Moon.

Q: How will Sierra Nevada Corporation contribute to Artemis missions?

Sierra Nevada Corporation will leverage its expertise gained from lunar gateway programs, satellite projects, and cargo resupply services to support Artemis missions using its Dream Chaser spacecraft.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• NASA has chosen five new companies through its Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program to assist in the Artemis program by sending science and technology demonstrations to the Moon starting in 2021.

• Blue Origin will contribute its Blue Moon lander, equipped with the BE 7 engine, a flexible payload deck, and kilowatts of power for lunar exploration and scientific research.

• Sierra Nevada Corporation will apply its experience with lunar gateway programs, satellites, and cargo resupply services to support Artemis missions with its Dream Chaser spacecraft.