NASA to Train Astronauts on Blue Origin's Moon Lander Prototype for 2028 Mission

NASA has announced plans to initiate training sessions with a prototype of Blue Origin’s crewed lunar lander, marking a critical milestone in the agency’s Artemis program.

The training is scheduled to begin ahead of the planned 2028 mission, which aims to land astronauts on the moon for the first time since the Apollo era. This initiative underscores NASA’s commitment to establishing a sustainable human presence on the lunar surface.

Blue Origin, a key partner in NASA’s Human Landing System (HLS) program, has been developing the crew moon lander under a $3.4 billion contract awarded in May 2023. The prototype will serve as the foundation for the final design, which will transport astronauts between lunar orbit and the moon’s surface.

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson emphasized the significance of this collaboration, stating:

"This partnership with Blue Origin is a testament to our collective efforts to return humanity to the moon and prepare for future missions to Mars."

The training program will involve astronauts familiarizing themselves with the lander’s systems, operational procedures, and safety protocols. It will also include simulations of lunar descent, landing, and ascent phases to ensure mission readiness.

In addition to Blue Origin, NASA has selected SpaceX as another partner for the HLS program, with its Starship-based lander also under development. The agency plans to alternate between the two providers for future lunar missions, fostering competition and innovation in space exploration.

The Artemis program represents NASA’s long-term vision for lunar exploration, with the goal of landing the first woman and the first person of color on the moon. The 2028 mission will build on the success of the Artemis II crewed lunar flyby, scheduled for 2025, and the uncrewed Artemis III landing, planned for 2026.