# Blue Moon Mark 1

**Type:** Lunar lander  
**Developer:** Blue Origin  
**Status:** In development  
**First flight:** Expected 2026 (delayed from "later in 2025" due to New Glenn grounding)  
**Launch vehicle:** New Glenn  

## Overview

Blue Moon Mark 1 is Blue Origin's lunar lander designed for CLPS missions. Selected by NASA in September 2025 as the sole bidder for VIPER rover delivery to the lunar south pole.

## Timeline

- **2025-09-20** — NASA awards Blue Origin $190M phased task order for VIPER delivery using Blue Moon Mark 1. Phase 1 covers design work for VIPER accommodations and surface deployment. Phase 2 (actual delivery) contingent on Phase 1 success and successful first Blue Moon landing.
- **2026-04-19** — First Blue Moon landing delayed indefinitely following New Glenn NG-3 upper stage failure and subsequent grounding.

## Technical Details

- **Payload capacity:** Sufficient for VIPER rover accommodation
- **Target landing site:** Lunar south pole
- **Mission profile:** VIPER delivery would be second Blue Moon flight

## Program Structure

**Phased contract approach:**
- Phase 1 (base): Design work for VIPER accommodations and deployment procedures
- Phase 2 (optional): Actual delivery mission, contingent on Phase 1 completion and successful first Blue Moon landing

**Single-provider risk:** Blue Origin was the only bidder for the VIPER task order, leaving NASA with no alternative delivery provider.

## Dependencies

- New Glenn launch vehicle operational status
- Successful first Blue Moon landing demonstration
- Phase 1 design work completion

## Sources

- SpaceNews, September 20, 2025: "NASA revives VIPER lunar rover mission with Blue Origin lander award"
- SpaceNews, September 23, 2025: "Blue Origin only bidder for new VIPER lander award"