NASA has successfully stacked its Space Launch System (SLS) rocket with the Orion spacecraft for the Artemis II mission, aiming to launch four astronauts on a lunar flyby as early as February 5, 2026. Despite challenges such as a government shutdown and delays in the Starship program, the mission serves as a key step toward returning humans to the moon.

NASA is considering replacing SpaceX as the contractor for the Artemis III moon landing mission due to concerns about SpaceX's delays in developing the Starship lunar lander. Acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy indicated that the agency may open the contract to other companies, including Blue Origin, to ensure the U.S. can land astronauts on the moon before China. The timeline for this decision is uncertain, but NASA has requested plans from both SpaceX and Blue Origin to expedite development.