NASA begins training with Blue Origin lunar lander mockup

NASA has begun training astronauts for future lunar missions using a prototype of Blue Origin's landing module. A full-scale mockup of the Blue Moon Mark 2 crew cabin has been delivered to the Johnson Space Center in Houston. This module is a key part of the Artemis program. This is reported by Ixbt.com .

This approximately 4.6-meter-tall mockup allows astronauts to practice mission scenarios, establish communication with the control center, and test spacesuits. Blue Origin is positioning its system as a primary competitor to SpaceX's Starship Human Landing System project.

NASA plans to test one of these systems in 2027 as part of the Artemis III mission. Astronauts will reach lunar orbit via the Orion spacecraft and, from there, land on the lunar surface using whichever system is ready. Subsequently, this vehicle must return the crew to the Orion spacecraft.

The Blue Moon Mark 1 cargo ship is also significant for Blue Origin. It serves as a technological proving ground for the MK2 version and is expected to conduct its first uncrewed mission soon. The company must practically prove its system's ability to perform a soft landing on the lunar surface.

SpaceX, for its part, is working on improving the Starship system, though complex technical tasks such as orbital refueling still await solutions. NASA continues to cooperate with both companies, aiming to accelerate the program to return to the Moon.