CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -NASA has chosen SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Dynetics to design and build three lunar landing systems that can take humans to the surface of the Moon. The three companies will work on their designs over the next year, and eventually, NASA will select one lander to take the first woman and the next man to the lunar surface.

Detailed explanation-2: -Indeed, early in its history, SpaceX won a crucial contract from NASA to deliver cargo to the International Space Station - before it even made it to orbit. Since then, the company has gone from success to success - earning billions in awards along the way.

Detailed explanation-3: -Blue Origin sued NASA in August, contending that the agency unfairly awarded to SpaceX a $2.9 billion contract in April to conduct the first two missions to the moon.

Detailed explanation-4: -SpaceX’s bid was by far the cheapest at $3 billion. Blue Origin’s offer came in at $6 billion. NASA has repeatedly said cost was a large motivating factor in its decision to choose SpaceX as the sole awardee for the HLS program.

Detailed explanation-5: -SpaceX’s Starship will land astronauts on the moon in 2025 and 2027, if all goes according to plan.