Blue Origin and SpaceX each submit streamlined proposals for Artemis 3 to get Astronauts to Moon south pole in 2027, Blue Origin throwing its hat in the ring for this mission instead of just Artemis 5. Blue Origin EscaPADE launch on New Glenn becomes then a direct precursor. (EscaPADE twin Mars orbiters to arrive there September 2026.) SpaceX launches Transporter-15 rideshare this week (payload costs ~US$300,000 for 50kg) on a Falcon 9, the rocket now proposed to take Artemis 3 Astronauts in a Crew Dragon capsule for docking in Earth orbit with the Human Landing System, rather than originally proposed lunar orbit rendezvous via Starship launch. Starship in-orbit refueling would still be required, with demo planned for next year. SpaceX has received payment from NASA for 49 achievements in a total US$2.89B contract, but likely has invested $30B of its own funds. Blue Origin proposes modifying Mk1 Moon lander to use as a booster to propel Mk2 lander from Earth orbit to Moon, avoiding in-orbit refueling. Mk1 lander demo with only 2 NASA instruments launching on New Glenn late 2025 / early 2026 to move along its $3.4B NASA Artemis contract, an amount it matches, with Mk1 taking VIPER to lunar surface on following trip. NASA may issue a full Request for Proposals for Artemis 3, and Lockheed Martin may respond. (Image Credits: SpaceX, Reddit, NASA – Bill Ingalls, Blue Origin)