Seattle, April 30 (Reuters) – US space agency NASA has asked Elon Musk’s company to suspend work under a contract won for the development of the spacecraft ‘SpaceX’ lunar spacecraft, pending the outcome of challenges from some of its competitors. Reported.
If NASA’s move, SpaceX should suspend any work related to the lunar program deal until after GAO issues a decision, after August 4th.
A SpaceX spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Earlier this month, NASA awarded a lunar project contract to SpaceX to replace billionaire Jeff Bezos and security firm Dynatics’ Blue Origin.
The high-altitude project aims to put humans back on the moon for the first time since 1972.
Blue Origin filed a dispute with GAO on Monday, arguing that NASA specifically offered SpaceX the opportunity to amend its offer, but did not offer Blue Origin that opportunity.
Blue Origin also claims that the move expands SpaceX’s “monopoly” control over space exploration.
GAO has also confirmed that Dynamics has challenged NASA’s award of the contract to SpaceX.
“In line with the GAO demonstrations, NASA has informed SpaceX that the progress of the HLS (Human Landing System) agreement has been suspended until GAO resolves all pending conflicts regarding this acquisition,” the company said Friday.
(Eric M. Johnson; French version by Camille Renat)
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