美国国家航空航天局宣布向三家商业航天公司授予近6亿美元合同，执行四项月球任务[1]。其中，Astrobotic获得2.979亿美元支持执行两次任务，Firefly Aerospace获得1.442亿美元，Intuitive Machines获得1.483亿美元[1]。这些任务计划于2028年末进行[1]，将成为NASA建立永久月球基地计划的关键步骤。
这四项任务将向月球表面运送多种科学仪器[1]。具体包括SCALPSS用于月尘研究、LRA激光角反射器用于改进月球导航以及LETS设备用于测量辐射环境[1]。NASA航天科学部主任洛里·格雷泽表示，"这些奖项表明我们致力于加速建立月球表面的长期存在"[1]。截至目前，NASA共有17项月球表面物资运输任务计划[1]。
NASA has selected three commercial spaceflight companies to conduct four lunar missions designed to advance the agency's goal of establishing a permanent presence on the Moon.[1] The contracts, announced on June 30, 2026, will deliver scientific instruments to the lunar surface by the end of 2028.[1]
Astrobotic will receive $297.9 million to execute two missions, while Firefly Aerospace will receive $144.2 million and Intuitive Machines will receive $148.3 million respectively for their missions.[1] The total contract value approaches $600 million.[1] These four missions represent part of NASA's broader portfolio of 17 planned lunar surface cargo delivery tasks.[1]
The missions will transport three types of scientific instruments to support lunar research and exploration.[1] These include SCALPSS, designed to study lunar dust; LRA, a laser retroreflector that will improve navigation on the Moon; and LETS, an instrument for measuring the radiation environment.[1] According to NASA's Lori Glaze, "These awards demonstrate our commitment to accelerating a long-term presence on the lunar surface."[1]