SpaceX is facing delays in the development of the lunar landing module for NASA, which could affect the Artemis III mission, scheduled for 2027.

Sean Duffy, the acting head of NASA, warned that SpaceX, which has a $2.9 billion contract to provide the lunar lander needed for the Artemis III mission, is facing significant delays. These delays could compromise NASA's efforts to return astronauts to the Moon ahead of China, in a new space race. Duffy mentioned that SpaceX is missing deadlines and suggested that NASA might open the contract to allow other companies to compete. If NASA decides to cancel or modify the contract with SpaceX, it would mark a major shift in the agency's plans, which selected Starship in 2021 as the lunar lander.

The Artemis III mission is scheduled for mid-2027, but leaders in the space industry are expressing concerns about the logistical complexity of using Starship, which could affect the success of the mission.