NASA opens Blue Origin lunar lander cabin mock-up for Artemis training
Updated
Updated · NASA · May 7
NASA opens Blue Origin lunar lander cabin mock-up for Artemis training
15 articles · Updated · NASA · May 7
The full-scale trainer at Johnson Space Center in Houston supports simulations for Earth-orbit docking in 2027 and Moon missions in 2028 involving two astronauts.
Blue Moon Mark 2 will launch uncrewed on New Glenn, meet Orion in lunar orbit, and carry astronauts to the lunar surface and back.
NASA says the mock-up will evolve into an integrated simulator for mission control, spacesuit and moonwalk rehearsals, supporting Artemis missions that aim to expand lunar exploration and prepare for Mars.
How will competing landers from Blue Origin and SpaceX shape the future of a permanent human moon base?
After surprising robotic findings, what new lunar mysteries will Artemis astronauts investigate at the South Pole?
Blue Moon Mark 2 Advances NASA’s Artemis Lunar Missions with Full-Scale Mock-Up and 20-Ton Payload Capability
Overview
In April-May 2026, Blue Origin deployed the full-scale Blue Moon Mark 2 mock-up at NASA's Johnson Space Center, enabling astronauts and ground teams to conduct vital training and mission simulations. This hands-on experience provides real-time feedback to improve the lander's design. NASA awarded Blue Origin a $3.4 billion contract in 2023 to develop the MK2, designated as the Human Landing System for the Artemis V mission targeted for 2029. However, delays caused by the grounding of Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket threaten the uncrewed demo flights critical for MK2 readiness. Meanwhile, both Blue Origin and SpaceX are committed to a 2027 Earth orbit docking test during Artemis III, with NASA planning to fly whichever lander is ready first, underscoring a competitive yet collaborative push to return humans to the Moon.