New NASA Lunar Contest Opens Competition Between Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos
The United States and China are engaged in a fierce race to be the first country to land humans on the Moon in over 50 years. In this renewed lunar competition, NASA has opened its lunar lander contract, previously held solely by SpaceX, to other contenders.
Emerging Rivalry Between American Giants
This contest could see Elon Musk's SpaceX competing directly with Jeff Bezos' company, adding a domestic rivalry to the international space race. The dispute over the lunar lander development has even led to public disagreements between Musk and Sean Duffy, NASA’s acting chief, revealing divisions about the agency’s leadership and mission direction.
SpaceX's Role and Challenges
SpaceX was awarded the Artemis III lunar lander contract in April 2021. This mission will mark the first time Americans return to the Moon since Apollo 17 in 1972. The lander design is based on the Starship vehicle, which SpaceX has been developing at its Texas facility.
- Since April 2023, SpaceX has conducted 11 Starship test flights.
- The missions in August and October 2025 succeeded, but three earlier flights experienced failures in the upper stage, which is critical as it carries astronauts.
“The dust-up over the lunar lander could pit Elon Musk against his billionaire rival Jeff Bezos.”
Sean Duffy stated on October 20 that he was opening up SpaceX’s US$4 billion contract to competition.
Growing Pressure Amid China’s Ambitions
With China presenting a strong challenge to claim lunar dominance, the pressure on SpaceX to advance rapidly has increased, though judging progress remains partly subjective.
Summary
NASA's decision to open the lunar lander contract reflects heightened competition from both international and domestic challengers, steering a pivotal chapter in the renewed race to the Moon.
Author’s summary: The US lunar lander contract competition now includes Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos as NASA reacts to China's advancing Moon ambitions, highlighting pivotal leadership tensions.