NASA to award three more lunar missions via CLPS program

NASA is expected to award three additional lunar missions through its Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program by the end of the year. According to executives from Firefly Aerospace and Intuitive Machines, these upcoming task orders will include two lander missions and one orbiter imaging service.

The planned orbiter is intended to serve as a replacement for the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO), which has been mapping the moon since its launch in 2009. While the LRO continues to operate under an extended mission through 2028, scientists have long advocated for a next-generation successor equipped with modern instruments to support future lunar science and landing operations.