Aerospace Engineers Assemble

NASA's Artemis program wants to put Americans back on the moon by 2024. But the program has had its share of problems. The $20 billion to $30 billion price tag has ruffled some feathers, not just on overall cost, but who will land the contracts and how they will be used. 

The program has some aggressive goals, including building an outpost on the moon and mining for resources. It has also been considered that Artemis would be the precursor for a mission to Mars. 

This week, Artemis took one step closer to becoming a reality as Blue Origin announced a national team that will build the Human Landing System that will be used to reach the moon, and it's a supergroup. Like the Avengers, as long as they were all aerospace engineers. 

Blue Origin signed agreements with Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman and Draper. Each company has experience working with NASA and has expertise in elements crucial to the program's success. 

Draper will lead descent guidance and provide flight avionics. Northrop Grumman will build the Transfer Element vehicle that brings the landing system towards the moon. Lockheed Martin is heading up the the reusable Ascent Element vehicle and leads crewed flight operations and training. And Blue Origin, the prime contractor, will lead program management, systems engineering, safety and mission assurance, and mission engineering while also providing the Descent Element that is based on the multi-year development of the Blue Moon lunar lander.

According to Blue Origin, "It’s time to go back to the Moon, this time to stay."