Does the lunar market hinge on Starship?

With international cooperation for lunar missions on the rise, including India becoming the 27th signatory of the Artemis accords, the lunar market has witnessed substantial growth in recent years. Programs like Artemis, Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS), and Human Landing System (HLS) have paved the way for increased involvement of commercial players, propelling the market’s expansion. The success of Artemis-I has not only fueled excitement but also instilled confidence in the market’s exponential growth potential. As the U.S. Government actively fosters collaboration with commercial entities, the focus turns to the crucial role of transportation to the Moon. Among these players, SpaceX’s Starship takes center stage, raising a critical question: Will the fate of the lunar market hinge on the triumph or tumble of SpaceX’s Starship?