Blue Moon MK2

Blue Moon MK2 is Blue Origin's large crewed lunar lander, selected by NASA in May 2023 under a $3.4 billion Human Landing System contract to carry astronauts to the Moon's surface for the Artemis V mission. Standing approximately 16 metres tall, it uses liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen (hydrolox) propulsion via Blue Origin's BE-7 engine, a propellant combination chosen for its high specific impulse. The lander can deliver up to 22 tonnes to the lunar surface in reusable configuration, or 30 tonnes in a one-way configuration. Blue Origin has been conducting pressure suit tests at NASA Johnson's Active Response Gravity Offload System, simulating lunar surface operations.

The MK2 is designed to carry two astronauts to the South Pole for stays of up to 30 days, accommodating sleeping quarters, a galley, sanitation facilities, and Science stations within the crew cabin. Unlike SpaceX's Starship HLS, which requires multiple tanker flights for in-space refuelling, Blue Moon MK2 is a more self-contained architecture. Before the crewed Artemis V demo, the contract requires an uncrewed demonstration landing at the lunar surface.

Blue Moon MK2 represents Blue Origin's highest-profile public programme since its legal challenge to the original Starship HLS sole-source award in 2021. The company's success in securing Artemis V HLS gives it a credible PATH to becoming a regular commercial lunar transport provider. NASA's interest in two competing lander providers reflects both risk management and the long-term goal of establishing a sustainable lunar presence.