Blue Origin

SpaceX is addressing NASA’s concerns about potential delays in its lunar lander for Artemis III by proposing a “simplified mission.” This follows NASA’s hint at reopening the lunar landing contract to competition, possibly including Blue Origin. SpaceX claims their streamlined approach ensures a faster, safer lunar return. NASA is evaluating proposals from both SpaceX and Blue Origin to accelerate HLS production, driven by U.S. space leadership concerns amid China’s lunar ambitions. SpaceX’s Starship has undergone 11 test flights; in-orbit refueling remains a key challenge. NASA has paid SpaceX $2.7B for HLS development.

Despite the U.S. government shutdown, NASA is prioritizing its Artemis program, directing personnel working with SpaceX and Blue Origin to continue operations. Internal memos confirm that Artemis, along with the ISS and satellite missions, are considered essential. While NASA faces significant furloughs, roughly 3,000 employees will continue working, ensuring key projects like the Artemis lunar missions, including SpaceX’s Starship and Blue Origin’s lunar lander development, proceed despite the funding lapse. Artemis aims to send astronauts to the Moon, paving the way for future Mars missions.

Jeff Bezos has completed the sale of 25 million Amazon shares, netting roughly $5.7 billion, according to an SEC filing. The sales, part of a prearranged plan initiated earlier this year, concluded on July 24th. Bezos’s divestitures coincided with his recent wedding in Venice. Amazon’s stock has risen 38% since late April. He has a history of selling Amazon stock to fund ventures like Blue Origin and plans to sell more shares before January 2025. Bezos currently ranks third on the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.