Company selection under NASA's 2025 program
The American space agency announced the acceptance of 41 project proposals submitted by 37 domestic companies. The initiative aims to mature technologies that will enable a permanent human foothold on the Moon and eventually support crewed exploration of Mars.
Key focus areas
- Advancements in space transportation, including propulsion concepts and modular payload platforms.
- Surface‑operations technologies such as mobile robotics, power systems, and habitat construction.
- Lunar resource utilization solutions, covering in‑situ resource processing and storage.
Selection process
Proposals were evaluated through NASA's Announcement of Collaboration Opportunity (ACO). Criteria emphasized technical maturity, innovation potential, and direct alignment with NASA's strategic objectives. Successful applicants will receive funding and access to NASA testing facilities.
Next steps
The chosen partners will refine their concepts, build prototypes, and conduct tests over the coming months. NASA intends to incorporate the outcomes into upcoming lunar missions, particularly under the Artemis program, and to leverage them as building blocks for future crewed missions to Mars.