The U.S. space program had slowed, with few opportunities for engineers to develop next-gen spacecraft. Vertical takeoff and landing systems, critical for lunar and planetary exploration, were not yet proven in safe, reusable, commercial designs.

Breakthrough solutions would demonstrate precise, reusable, vertical takeoff-and-landing craft capable of lunar-like maneuvers—flying, landing on hazardous terrain, refueling, and flying back—paving the way for future Moon missions.

The $2M Northrop Grumman Lunar Lander XCHALLENGE pushed private teams to develop reusable spacecraft capable of completing realistic lunar-landing flight profiles. Vehicles had to take off vertically, fly to an altitude of 164 feet (50 meters), travel laterally 328 feet (100 meters), and land on a simulated lunar surface just 33 feet (10 meters) across—then repeat the flight after refueling.

Masten Space Systems won with Xoie, a lander featuring advanced precision navigation that allowed it to touch down more accurately than any other competitor, even on a simulated surface filled with boulders and craters. This technology validated a new generation of vertical takeoff-and-landing craft and showcased the role of private innovation in advancing space exploration.

In 2014, NASA picked Masten for the Lunar CATALYST initiative, earning a $75.9 M XL-1 Moon lander contract for the Artemis program. In 2022, the company was acquired by the Google Lunar XPRIZE team Astrobotic Technology, ensuring its innovations continue to influence the future of space travel.

Honorable mention went to Armadillo Aerospace: Scorpius met all requirements but lost to Masten’s precision.

Launched in 2006, the $2M Northrop Grumman Lunar Lander XCHALLENGE wrapped in 2009 with Masten Space Systems’ Xoie taking first place—marking a milestone in reusable vertical takeoff and landing technology.