NASA and SpaceX debated the necessity of manual control during a lunar landing

NASA revealed details of its collaboration with SpaceX and Blue Origin on the Human Landing System (HLS) project

Just before publishing its report, NASA released a document that provides a detailed description of how the agency interacts with its private partners—Space X and Blue Origin. Both contractors are developing human landing systems for the Moon.

US Goals
By the end of the decade, the United States plans not only to return to the Moon but also to establish a permanent settlement there. To achieve this, reliable lunar lander modules must be developed. Until recently NASA kept information about its projects secret; the published report now sheds light on key details.

What Has Been Achieved
* Contractual Approach – The agency concluded that contracting with private companies is effective both in terms of cost control and knowledge transfer.
* Knowledge Exchange – Space X and Blue Origin were able to leverage NASA’s expertise and unique capabilities, accelerating the development of their own landing modules.

Emerging Disagreements
Manual Control During Landing
One contentious issue is the extent of astronaut involvement in manual control of Starship during lunar landings.

* NASA and Space X did not reach a consensus: “Space X stated it was ready to comply with manual‑control requirements, but our risk analysis identified a trend toward degradation” (according to the agency).
* During the Apollo program almost 60 years ago astronauts used a backup manual mode. Today the disagreement remains unresolved—an entirely automated landing is still possible.

Crew Dragon Control
A similar debate arose ten years ago during the design of the Crew Dragon spacecraft:

* Space X wanted to give astronauts access to a limited set of functions via a touchscreen, while NASA demanded traditional joysticks.
* In the end, the parties agreed that control of essential parameters would be moved to the touchscreen.

An important point is that the Dragon flight‑control system has been tested on numerous cargo missions, whereas crewed lunar flights of Starship have not yet undergone such testing.

Blue Origin
At present Blue Origin has not begun developing a manual‑control system.

Demonstration Unmanned Flights
The document contains details about upcoming unmanned tests that Space X and Blue Origin will conduct before launching crewed missions.

* No Life Support or Airlocks – In test lunar flights, life‑support systems and airlocks will not be used.
* Lift for Descent – Starship will not test the lift intended to lower crews to the surface.
* Dust – Limited tests of abrasive lunar dust effects on life‑support equipment are required.

Conclusion
NASA demonstrates that collaboration with private companies yields tangible benefits: cost control, knowledge exchange, and accelerated development. However critical questions remain regarding manual control during landing and the need to confirm system reliability under real lunar conditions. The crewed HLS missions await further technological development and final certification.