"The space agency's decision to reopen the contract for the Artemis mission moon lander renews competition between SpaceX, which had previously won the award, and Blue Origin, Jeff Bezos's space startup. But it also sets off a competition between Texas and Washington, the two companies' respective home states. Politicians have long fought over American space spending, as Fast Company has previously explained. But it's not clear where they stand, at least for now."
"The office of Senator Maria Cantwell, who represents Washington and frequently touts Blue Origin, also did not respond. Congressional delegations have previously advocated for Artemis contracts to come to their states. Back when SpaceX first won the lunar lander contract, Cantwell pushed for NASA to give a second company a lunar contract, including through legislation. Even amid doubts with SpaceX, Cruz has said it's too late for the U.S. to leave Starship behind."
NASA plans to reopen the multibillion-dollar competition for the Artemis moon lander contract, a vehicle intended to support a permanent return to the moon. The decision revives rivalry between SpaceX, which had previously won the award, and Blue Origin, Jeff Bezos's space company. The move also creates a political contest between Texas and Washington, where the two companies are based. Several congressional offices that would be affected did not respond to inquiries. Congressional delegations have previously lobbied for Artemis contracts to benefit their states, with Cantwell and Cruz taking differing public positions.
Read at Fast Company
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