"SpaceX's Next Starship Launch: Testing Orbital Refueling Technology"

NASA's Artemis program aims to establish a sustainable presence on the Moon, requiring the delivery of large payloads. SpaceX and Blue Origin have been awarded contracts to develop crewed lunar landers, but both face the challenge of launching landers that are too heavy due to the required propellant. To solve this, both companies plan to refuel their landers in space. Blue Origin's plan involves launching additional rockets to rendezvous with the lander and refuel it at the Lunar Gateway. SpaceX's plan involves launching tanker versions of their spacecraft to dock with the lander and transfer propellant. However, the technology for in-orbit propellant transfer is unproven and requires further development. The success of these refueling operations is crucial for the Artemis program's timeline and the return of astronauts to the Moon.