The United States is in a new space race — and we’re falling behind.

NASA’s plan to return astronauts to the moon depends on a single contractor: SpaceX, which has been paid $2.9 billion to develop the lunar lander for the Artemis III mission.

But five years in, Starship has suffered repeated delays, multiple failed test flights, and no crew-ready lander in sight.

Meanwhile, China says it plans to put taikonauts on the moon by 2030. If we wait for one company to get it right — we may lose the race entirely.

Thankfully, acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy is potentially considering to open the contract to more companies. He’s right — and we must back him up.

We call on NASA leadership and the U.S. Congress to:

• Immediately open the Artemis III lunar lander contract to additional providers beyond SpaceX and Blue Origin;
• Require open Requests for Proposals (RFPs) — not just closed-door deals — for future lunar landing technology;
• Prioritize proven, timely progress over promises and missed deadlines.
   

We also support requests for acceleration plans from existing contractors and efforts to increase the cadence of lunar missions.

Getting to the moon isn’t just about legacy — it’s about global leadership, scientific discovery, and national pride. No company should be given a monopoly on the mission of a generation.

If SpaceX can deliver on time — great. But if others can beat them there, let them. What matters most is getting it done, not waiting for Elon Musk’s timeline to catch up with reality.

Sign this petition to tell NASA: open the door, end the monopoly, and get us back to the moon — now.

Eva Marie Uzcategui/AFP via Getty Images, FILE