NASA's Moon ship and rocket seem to be working well, so what about the landers?

NASA says Artemis II rocket and Orion are performing well, leaving lunar landers as the main remaining challenge.

NASA contracted Human Landing System work to SpaceX (Starship) and Blue Origin (Blue Moon) and asked for accelerated options last year.

NASA removed the NRHO Gateway docking requirement to reduce propellant needs and is analyzing Orion interactions with revised lander plans.

Officials aim for a possible 2027 low‑Earth‑orbit rendezvous and a 2028 landing, while companies continue testing and refining designs.