NASA has selected SpaceX to deliver supplies to the planned Gateway mini-space station in lunar orbit using a new version of the Dragon cargo vehicle launched atop Falcon Heavy rockets.
SpaceX is guaranteed a minimum of two supply missions under the Gateway Logistics Services contract. The cost of each SpaceX cargo mission was not disclosed by NASA.
The deal gives SpaceX its first major role in NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to land astronauts on the moon before the end of 2024. NASA envisions the Gateway as a waypoint for astronauts traveling to the moon, providing a hub for docking of Orion crew capsules, lunar landers, and research and logistics modules.
SpaceX will use a variant of the Dragon capsule different from the one it’s using for ISS missions that can carry more than 5 metric tons of cargo for its Gateway missions. It will fly on top of the company’s super-heavy lift launch vehicle, the Falcon Heavy rocket. Unlike current Dragon capsules that only stay docked to the ISS for a few weeks, the Gateway capsule will stay at the station for six to 12 months at a time.
SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell said in a statement:
“Returning to the Moon and supporting future space exploration requires affordable delivery of significant amounts of cargo. Through our partnership with NASA, SpaceX has been delivering scientific research and critical supplies to the International Space Station since 2012, and we are honored to continue the work beyond Earth’s orbit and carry Artemis cargo to Gateway.”
