# Starship Human Landing System

> proposed lunar lander for the Artemis program

**Wikidata**: [Q98168901](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q98168901)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Starship_HLS)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/starship-human-landing-system

## Summary
The Starship Human Landing System (Starship HLS) is a proposed lunar lander developed by SpaceX for the Artemis program. It functions as a specialized, human-rated spacecraft designed to land astronauts on the surface of the Moon. As a variant of the Starship vehicle, it serves as a reusable descent and ascent stage for lunar missions.

## Key Facts
- **Developer:** SpaceX
- **Program Affiliation:** Part of the Artemis program
- **Classification:** Spacecraft model; subclass of both Starship and lunar lander
- **Function:** Spacecraft intended to land on the surface of the Moon
- **Parent Vehicle:** Derived from the Starship super heavy-lift reusable launch vehicle (inception circa 2005)
- **Aliases:** Starship HLS, SpaceX Starship HLS, Human Landing System, HLS
- **Status:** Proposed lunar lander

## FAQs
### Q: What is the purpose of the Starship Human Landing System?
A: The Starship HLS is designed to serve as the lunar lander for the Artemis program. Its primary function is to transport astronauts from lunar orbit to the surface of the Moon and back.

### Q: How is the Starship HLS related to the standard Starship rocket?
A: The Starship HLS is a specialized variant or subclass of the standard Starship reusable spacecraft and super heavy-lift launch vehicle developed by SpaceX.

### Q: Is the Starship Human Landing System reusable?
A: Yes, as a subclass of the Starship spacecraft, it inherits the design philosophy of reusability, distinguishing it from traditional, single-use lunar lander architectures.

## Why It Matters
The Starship Human Landing System represents a critical component of NASA's Artemis program, serving as the designated vehicle to return humans to the lunar surface. By utilizing a variant of the Starship super heavy-lift launch vehicle, it integrates SpaceX's reusable technology into deep space exploration. This approach aims to support sustained lunar presence and exploration activities. As a "human landing system," it solves the specific engineering challenge of soft-landing large payloads and crew safely on the Moon, acting as a crucial link between lunar orbit and the surface. Its development marks a shift towards commercial partnerships for essential space infrastructure.

## Notable For
- **Artemis Program Role:** Serving as the primary human-rated lunar lander for the NASA Artemis program.
- **Reusability:** Being a lunar lander variant derived from a reusable spacecraft class (Starship).
- **Heavy-Lift Capability:** Utilizing the super heavy-lift capabilities of the Starship launch system.
- **Commercial Development:** Being developed by SpaceX (a private entity) for government space exploration goals.

## Body
### Development and Classification
The Starship Human Landing System is identified as a spacecraft model and a distinct subclass of the Starship vehicle. While the broader Starship launch system has roots tracing back to around 2005, the HLS variant is specifically proposed for the Artemis program. It falls under the broader class of "lunar lander"—spacecraft intended to land on the surface of the Moon.

### Design and Heritage
The vehicle inherits its core architecture from the Starship reusable spacecraft created by SpaceX. Unlike previous expendable lunar landers, the HLS is designed within the framework of a reusable super heavy-lift launch vehicle. It is categorized as an instance of a spacecraft model, tailored for human transport.

### Mission Context
Designated specifically for the Artemis program, the Starship HLS is tasked with the "Human Landing System" role. This involves ferrying crew members between lunar orbit and the Moon's surface. The project relies on the development lineage of the standard Starship, leveraging the infrastructure of the parent launch vehicle to facilitate lunar access.