SpaceX's lunar lander could be 'years late' for a planned 2027 mission to the moon

SpaceX's lunar lander, the Starship Human Landing System (HLS), may face significant delays and may not be ready for the planned 2027 mission to the moon, according to a report by Space News. The main issue seems to be related to cryogenic propellant transfer, which the SpaceX team has yet to figure out. This is the first version of the vehicle capable of such transfers, and ongoing engine redesigns have slowed down the progress. The delay has raised concerns that it could give China an advantage in manned lunar missions, as the country has developed its own lunar vehicle, Lanyue, which could land on the surface by 2030. This is not the first time SpaceX has missed deadlines regarding a return to the moon. The company's previous claims of attempting in-orbit refueling by early 2025 and demonstrating fuel reusability next year have not materialized. Despite the delays in the Starship HLS, the Artemis 2 launch is still on track for early 2026, which will send four astronauts around the moon without landing on the surface. The last manned mission to the moon was in 1972, over 50 years ago.