NASA is intensifying its efforts to return humans to the Moon by soliciting new bids for its Artemis program, as SpaceX, Elon Musk’s aerospace company, faces delays. NASA Administrator Sean Duffy announced the move on Monday, emphasizing the urgency to compete against China’s advancing lunar ambitions. ‘We’re going to have a space race among American companies to see who can get us back to the Moon first,’ Duffy stated during an interview on Fox News. He revealed plans to open the contract to other competitors, including Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin, to accelerate progress. SpaceX currently holds the contract for the fifth Artemis mission, but delays have prompted NASA to seek alternatives. Duffy, who also serves as the US Transportation Secretary, stressed the importance of innovation and competition in maintaining US dominance in space exploration. The Artemis program, initiated during President Donald Trump’s first term, aims to return astronauts to the Moon and eventually voyage to Mars. Despite setbacks, NASA remains committed to its timeline, with the Artemis 2 mission, featuring a crew of three US astronauts and one Canadian, scheduled for April 2026. This mission will mark the first crewed lunar flyby in over 50 years. NASA officials, including Lakiesha Hawkins, have reaffirmed their dedication to meeting these ambitious goals, even as they navigate challenges and rising global competition.