NASA’s next steps toward returning people to the Moon
Technology & Science
Last updated
The big picture
NASA’s Artemis program is building toward another crewed Moon landing, but the next mission is a rehearsal closer to Earth. Artemis III is planned to send four astronauts into low Earth orbit in 2027, where Orion will work with test versions of landers from Blue Origin and SpaceX. Crews will practice docking, living aboard the spacecraft and coordinating operations before attempting a lunar landing. NASA has also revised the landers’ mission plans and aligned contracts around the updated approach. Both companies must demonstrate their systems without crews before a crewed landing. The 2028 goal is a target supported by this development program, not a guarantee that every required spacecraft will be ready on time.
Where things stand
On October 23, NASA detailed the Earth-orbit test mission and revised lander operations. Artemis III is planned for 2027, with a first Artemis lunar landing targeted for 2028. NASA says lander readiness will determine which provider makes the first landing; neither company has been assigned a specific lunar landing mission under the revised arrangements.
Key facts
- Artemis III’s current plan is an Earth-orbit test, not a landing on the Moon.
- The planned rehearsal involves three spacecraft launched on separate rockets.
- SpaceX and Blue Origin are pursuing different approaches to reaching lunar orbit.
How we got here
NASA releases lunar science data gathered during Artemis II.
NASA reports progress on Artemis III booster integration.
NASA explains the test mission and updated commercial lander plans.
What happens next
- Artemis III is targeted for 2027 and the first Artemis lunar landing for 2028; these remain mission targets rather than fixed launch dates.
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