WASHINGTON — NASA issued study contracts to examine logistical issues for a long-term human presence on the moon despite uncertainty that the curren

NASA awards Artemis logistics studies

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2025-01-24 12:00:08

WASHINGTON — NASA issued study contracts to examine logistical issues for a long-term human presence on the moon despite uncertainty that the current administration will continue to pursue the Artemis lunar exploration campaign.

NASA announced Jan. 23 that it selected nine companies for contracts with a combined value of $24 million to study logistics needed for later human missions on the moon, when the agency anticipates larger crews spending more time on the lunar surface.

The nine companies selected for awards are Blue Origin, Intuitive Machines, Leidos, Lockheed Martin, MDA Space, Moonprint, Pratt Miller Defense, Sierra Space and Special Aerospace Services. NASA said the studies involve topics such as logistics carriers and handling, surface cargo mobility, and trash management.

“These contract awards are the catalyst for developing critical capabilities for the Artemis missions and the everyday needs of astronauts for long-term exploration on the lunar surface,” Nujoud Merancy, deputy associate administrator for the Strategy and Architecture Office in the agency’s exploration directorate, said in a statement.