New NASA Lunar Contest Could Pit Elon Musk Against Jeff Bezos
The United States space agency has reopened the lunar lander contract previously awarded to SpaceX, allowing new competitors to join the bid. This move intensifies both the international race between the United States and China to return humans to the Moon and the domestic rivalry among American companies developing lunar landing vehicles.
Race to the Moon Reignited
The United States and China are engaged in a modern contest to be the first to put astronauts back on the lunar surface in over fifty years. The decision to expand competition marks a new phase in NASA’s strategy to maintain leadership in lunar exploration.
Musk and Bezos Face Off
The reopening of the contract could pit Elon Musk against Jeff Bezos, two of the world's most influential space industry entrepreneurs. The rivalry has already stirred a war of words involving Musk and NASA’s acting administrator, Sean Duffy, revealing internal disagreements about the agency’s future direction and leadership.
Background on the Artemis III Mission
In April 2021, NASA chose SpaceX to develop the lunar lander for the Artemis III mission, which would mark America’s first crewed lunar return since Apollo 17 in 1972. The spacecraft is based on the Starship model under development in south Texas.
Progress and Setbacks
Since April 2023, SpaceX has conducted eleven test flights of Starship. Successful launches took place in August and October 2025, though three prior flights ended in failure, particularly affecting the upper stage intended to transport astronauts.
Rising Pressure Amid China’s Advances
China’s rapid progress in its lunar exploration ambitions has increased pressure on SpaceX to accelerate its development. While NASA milestones are partially subjective, expectations for SpaceX’s performance remain high.
“On October 20, Sean Duffy announced that he was opening up SpaceX’s US$4 billion lunar lander contract to competition.”
Author’s summary: NASA’s decision to reopen the lunar lander contract intensifies both the U.S.–China Moon race and a growing rivalry between Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos for leadership in American space innovation.