In a significant development for the U.S. space program, NASA announced on October 20, 2025, that it would reopen the bidding process for the Human Landing System (HLS) contract for Artemis III, the first crewed lunar landing mission since Apollo 17 in 1972. This decision, driven by delays in SpaceX’s Starship development, has elicited a strong response from SpaceX and its CEO, Elon Musk, highlighting tensions in the race to return humans to the Moon.
Background on the Artemis Program
The Artemis program seeks to land astronauts on the lunar South Pole by the late 2020s, with Artemis III originally planned for a 2028 landing. SpaceX won the initial HLS contract in April 2021 to adapt its Starship for the mission, which requires advanced capabilities like in-orbit refueling. The program is positioned as a key element in maintaining U.S. leadership in space amid China’s plans for a crewed lunar landing by 2030.
However, Starship’s development has encountered challenges, including issues with propellant transfer and test flight delays, raising doubts about meeting the timeline.
NASA’s Announcement and Rationale
Acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy, who also serves as Transportation Secretary, revealed the decision during a Fox News interview, emphasizing the need for competition to accelerate progress and ensure a U.S. victory in the lunar race against China. Duffy stated that NASA aims to “get us back to the moon in 2028” and invited rival bids, potentially from companies like Blue Origin. This move has been supported by former NASA administrators, including Charles Bolden and Jim Bridenstine, who advocated for simpler mission designs to avoid further setbacks.
The announcement echoes a 2021 transitional decision when SpaceX was first selected, and it comes as NASA requests accelerated proposals from SpaceX and Blue Origin by October 29, 2025.
SpaceX’s Response
SpaceX responded robustly, defending its progress in a blog post and asserting that it remains on track without cost overruns. The company highlighted its responsiveness to NASA’s changing requirements and proposed a “simplified” Starship HLS mission to expedite the landing, potentially reducing refueling operations. SpaceX emphasized its test flight successes and contributions to other NASA initiatives.
Elon Musk took to X to express his frustration, labeling Duffy as “Sean Dummy” and accusing him of “trying to kill NASA” with bureaucratic decisions that could delay the program further. Musk also mocked Duffy’s intelligence in posts, claiming he has a “two-digit IQ” and warning that such leadership endangers astronauts. These comments underscore ongoing tensions between Musk and Duffy, including debates over NASA’s leadership and structure.
Both SpaceX and Blue Origin have submitted updated lunar landing profiles in response to the reopened competition.
Broader Implications
The decision to reopen bids has ignited discussions on the role of competition in space exploration. While some see it as a way to spur innovation, others argue it could fragment efforts and cause additional delays. Blue Origin, under Jeff Bezos, could gain a larger role with its Blue Moon lander, already involved in later Artemis missions.
Geopolitically, the stakes are high, with the U.S. aiming to counter China’s lunar ambitions. Former administrators have called for a reevaluation to ensure a viable path forward.
Looking Ahead
As NASA reviews proposals, the Artemis III timeline hangs in the balance, with the agency prioritizing speed, safety, and competitiveness. SpaceX’s simplified approach may help it retain the contract, but the reopened process introduces uncertainty. This episode reflects the evolving dynamics of government-private sector partnerships in space.
