Dynetics HLS

ALPACA, Dynetics Autonomous Logistics Platform for All-Moon Cargo Access

Mission Profile

Dynetics HLS (ALPACA, Autonomous Logistics Platform for All-Moon Cargo Access) was one of three Human Landing System proposals selected by NASA for development awards in April 2020, offering a low-center-of-gravity lunar lander with a crew compartment positioned close to the surface for easy access without long ladder climbs. The Dynetics design used a reusable propellant tanking architecture fed by multiple small depot modules launched separately, enabling multiple reuse of the lander. In April 2021 NASA selected only SpaceX Starship for the HLS contract, and Dynetics's protest was unsuccessful, ending the ALPACA program.