Boeing Offers Human Lander System for Artemis Mission; Jim Chilton Quoted

Boeing has submitted its proposal for an integrated lander that will carry astronauts from lunar orbit to the moon’s surface and simplify landing procedures for the Artemis mission.

Boeing said Tuesday it intends to deploy its Human Lander System containing ascent and descent elements through one rocket launch to avoid reliance on multiple launch procedures and additional spacecraft.

According to the firm, HLS was designed to dock with the lunar gateway and directly latch onto the Orion spacecraft. The lander’s components are based on the Boeing CST-100 Starliner spacecraft and include automated rendezvous and landing technologies. 

Jim Chilton, senior vice president of space and launch at Boeing's defense, space and security segment and a former Wash100 winner, said the company based HLS’ operational functions on the lift capacity of the Block 1B Space Launch System.

Boeing and NASA plan to collaborate for integration, certification and operational activities for HLS ahead of the 2024 moon landing.