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NASA Plans Lunar Orbiter Through CLPS Program

August 16, 2026
2 min read
Sponsored by: Jumpseat Solutions
Key Takeaways
  • NASA plans to award three more lunar missions through CLPS.
  • One mission will be an orbiter to replace the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter.
  • Two lander missions are also expected.
  • Firefly Aerospace and Intuitive Machines are well-positioned for the orbiter mission.
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Strategic Implications

The upcoming CLPS task orders may indicate a shift towards more comprehensive lunar exploration and development, with the orbiter mission suggesting a focus on sustained lunar presence. This could benefit companies like Firefly Aerospace and Intuitive Machines, which are expanding their production facilities and preparing for larger landers.

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What Happened

Commercial Lunar Payload Services Expands With Orbiter Mission

NASA is planning to award three more lunar missions through its Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program, including an orbiter that would replace the aging Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter. The orbiter mission, along with two lander missions, is expected to be awarded by the end of the year. Firefly Aerospace and Intuitive Machines, which have previously landed spacecraft on the moon through CLPS, are well-positioned to pursue the orbiter mission. The companies are also preparing for the next phase of the program, CLPS 2.0, which will have a maximum value of $10 billion over 10 years. This development was first reported by SpaceNews.

Source | Originally Published: August 16, 2026

Companies Mentioned
NASA Firefly Aerospace Intuitive Machines Astrobotic Voyager Lunar Systems
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Home › Categories › SPACE & SATELLITES

NASA Plans Lunar Orbiter Through CLPS Program

August 16, 2026
2 min read
Sponsored by: Jumpseat Solutions
Key Takeaways
  • NASA plans to award three more lunar missions through CLPS.
  • One mission will be an orbiter to replace the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter.
  • Two lander missions are also expected.
  • Firefly Aerospace and Intuitive Machines are well-positioned for the orbiter mission.
Sign in to view key takeaways Get full access to in-depth analysis and key takeaways.
Sign In
Silver membership required Upgrade to Silver to access Key Takeaways.
Upgrade
Strategic Implications

The upcoming CLPS task orders may indicate a shift towards more comprehensive lunar exploration and development, with the orbiter mission suggesting a focus on sustained lunar presence. This could benefit companies like Firefly Aerospace and Intuitive Machines, which are expanding their production facilities and preparing for larger landers.

Sign in to view strategic implications Get full access to strategic analysis and expert insights.
Sign In
Silver membership required Upgrade to Silver to access Strategic Implications.
Upgrade

What Happened

Commercial Lunar Payload Services Expands With Orbiter Mission

NASA is planning to award three more lunar missions through its Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program, including an orbiter that would replace the aging Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter. The orbiter mission, along with two lander missions, is expected to be awarded by the end of the year. Firefly Aerospace and Intuitive Machines, which have previously landed spacecraft on the moon through CLPS, are well-positioned to pursue the orbiter mission. The companies are also preparing for the next phase of the program, CLPS 2.0, which will have a maximum value of $10 billion over 10 years. This development was first reported by SpaceNews.

Source | Originally Published: August 16, 2026

Companies Mentioned
NASA Firefly Aerospace Intuitive Machines Astrobotic Voyager Lunar Systems
Related Stories
SPACE & SATELLITES
Firefly Aerospace Selected by NASA for Commercial Lunar Payload Services Contract
Private Aerospace Company Awarded $2.6 Billion Lunar Services Contract
Nov 29, 2018 · 2 min read
SPACE & SATELLITES
Firefly Aerospace Completes Lunar Lander Development for NASA's CLPS Initiative
End-to-End Space Transportation Company Lands Critical Milestone for First Lunar Mission
Oct 4, 2023 · 3 min read
SPACE & SATELLITES
Firefly Aerospace Joins NASA's $10B CLPS 2 Initiative
Texas-Based Company Expands Lunar Capabilities With New Contract
Nov 7, 2026 · 2 min read
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