NASA expects a decision on a lunar lander protest by early August

Enlarge / Bill Nelson was confirmed by the US Senate to become NASA administrator on April 30. (credit: NASA)

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said the space agency expects a decision from the US Government Accountability Office on a lunar lander protest by August 4. This would seem to set a firm timeline after which NASA can move forward with its Artemis program.

Nelson’s comments came in response to members of the US House Science, Space, and Technology Committee asking for specifics on Artemis, which NASA intends to use to return humans to the Moon and eventually go on to Mars.

“I will have a plan to announce,” Nelson said, referring to Artemis specifics and the protest timeline.