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That’s what I was thinking. Sounds like it’s far enough out to not be an issue, unless the entire company goes under.
Well, they are supposed to use that launch pad for their lunar lander, which is supposed to launch in 2027 to low Earth orbit to test out the docking capabilities. Sounds like that one is going to be a complete wash. There are also supposed to launch and land some infrastructure equipment that would arrive before humans in 2028, so that could also be an issue as well.
Can they rent launch time anywhere else or is it infeasible to do that?
Each rocket is different in what it needs/how stuff is set up. Blue Origin does have another pad in Cali that is in the development stage but it isnt close to being ready to launch. SpaceX has multiple pads in Florida as well as California and Virginia, giving them flexibility. Blue Origin just doesn't.
I guess these are growing pains for a very young industry
I want to say it was last year.... might have been the year before but yes they and SpaceX both were awarded lunar landers so I guess it was good that two were so SpaceX can continue on.
*Correction yes they had just received additional contracts a week or so ago for landing rovers
The lunar vehicles are supposed to be used on Artemis V, which is slated for the 2030s. Artemis IV is the one that is set to land in 2028.