# Blue Moon Mark 1

**Type:** Lunar lander  
**Developer:** Blue Origin  
**Status:** In development (first flight expected 2026)  
**Payload capacity:** Sufficient for VIPER rover delivery  
**Launch vehicle:** New Glenn  

## Overview

Blue Moon Mark 1 is Blue Origin's lunar lander designed for Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) missions. The vehicle is distinct from the larger Blue Moon Mark 2 variant being developed for Artemis crewed missions.

## Timeline

- **2025-09-20** — NASA awards Blue Origin $190M task order to deliver VIPER rover using Blue Moon Mark 1, targeting late 2027 delivery. Blue Origin was the only bidder for the award.
- **2025-09** — First Blue Moon Mark 1 flight expected "later in 2025" (likely 2026 based on publication context)
- **2026-04-19** — New Glenn NG-3 upper stage failure grounds New Glenn fleet, delaying first Blue Moon Mark 1 launch indefinitely

## Technical Details

### VIPER Mission Configuration
- **Contract structure:** Two-phase award
  - Phase 1 (base): Design work for VIPER accommodations and surface deployment
  - Phase 2 (optional): Actual delivery, contingent on Phase 1 success AND successful first Blue Moon landing
- **Target landing site:** Lunar south pole
- **Mission sequence:** Second Blue Moon Mark 1 flight (VIPER delivery follows demonstration mission)

## Program Dependencies

- **Launch vehicle:** New Glenn (currently grounded)
- **Demonstration requirement:** Successful first Blue Moon landing required before VIPER delivery mission proceeds
- **Alternative providers:** None (Blue Origin was sole bidder for VIPER lander award)

## Sources

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