Blue Origin unveiled a mockup of its Blue Moon lunar lander on October 28, 2023.
The Blue Moon lander is equipped with a BE-7 engine and a large cargo deck for payloads.
The lander is designed to support both crewed and uncrewed missions to the moon.
The lander is part of NASA's Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the moon by 2024.
Blue Origin, the spaceflight company founded by Jeff Bezos, has unveiled a mockup of its Blue Moon lunar lander. The prototype was revealed as part of NASA's Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the moon by 2024. The Blue Moon lander, also known as the MK1, is designed to deliver payloads to the lunar surface and support future human missions.
The unveiling event took place on October 28, 2023. The lander is equipped with a powerful BE-7 engine, which is capable of producing 10,000 pounds of thrust. It also features a large cargo deck that can accommodate a variety of payloads, including rovers and scientific instruments. The lander is designed to be versatile and capable of supporting both crewed and uncrewed missions.
The Blue Moon lander is part of Blue Origin's broader vision for space exploration, which includes establishing a sustainable human presence on the moon. The company believes that the moon is a critical stepping stone for future missions to Mars and beyond. The lander's design reflects this vision, with features that are designed to support long-duration lunar surface operations.
The unveiling of the Blue Moon lander marks a significant milestone for Blue Origin and for NASA's Artemis program. It represents a key step towards achieving the goal of returning humans to the moon and establishing a sustainable presence there. However, the lander is still in the prototype stage, and it will need to undergo further testing and development before it is ready for lunar missions.