Private Moon Missions: Landing Race in 2026

The US, China, and five private companies are planning missions to the surface of the Moon in 2026, aiming to explore the south pole and search for water.

NASA is preparing for the Artemis II mission in February, while China is planning the robotic mission Chang’e 7 for the second half of 2026, with the aim of searching for water ice.

In addition to space agencies, private companies are participating in the race to the Moon. Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin aims to launch the Blue Moon Pathfinder in early 2026. Firefly will attempt its second moon landing with the Blue Ghost M2. Intuitive Machines will attempt for the third time to reach the surface of the Moon with the IM-3 mission, while Astrobotic plans to launch the Griffin lander in July.