New updates have been reported about SpaceX (PC:SPXEX)
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SpaceX is gearing up for a significant milestone in its lunar mission endeavors, with plans to conduct a propellant transfer between two orbiting Starships as early as March next year. This test is crucial for SpaceX’s role in NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the moon. NASA has contracted SpaceX to develop two human-rated Starship vehicles, with a $4.05 billion deal that includes landing astronauts on the lunar surface by September 2026. The upcoming propellant transfer test is a pivotal step in demonstrating the capability to move large payloads beyond Earth’s orbit, a necessary precursor to the planned uncrewed lunar landing demonstration.
NASA’s collaboration with SpaceX under the Human Landing System (HLS) program contrasts with its traditional approach seen in the Space Launch System (SLS) program. The HLS contract is fixed-price, offering SpaceX $2.99 billion upon meeting specific milestones, unlike the cost-plus model used for SLS. This flexible approach allows SpaceX to propose additional milestones, such as the propellant transfer test. The company is also preparing for a Critical Design Review in Summer 2025, where NASA will verify compliance with 27 system requirements. SpaceX’s progress is closely monitored by NASA, with monthly meetings to refine Starship’s design, including crew cabin mockups. If successful, SpaceX is on track to achieve its goal of landing astronauts on the moon by the targeted date, with no significant roadblocks currently anticipated.