NASA maintains its target to return US astronauts to the Moon by 2028, with Artemis III and Artemis IV missions scheduled for 2027 and 2028 respectively. The agency is currently working to address a 90-day delay for the Artemis III mission.
For Artemis III, NASA plans a 14- to 17-day mission in low Earth orbit to test three launch vehicles, the Orion capsule, and a lunar lander. The mission will involve multiple test flights of both SpaceX Starship and Blue Origin New Glenn vehicles prior to the launch.
Artemis IV mission plans include two options: one utilizing the SpaceX Starship launcher and human landing system, and another using the Blue Origin New Glenn rocket with the Mark 2 lander. SpaceX is also scheduled to demonstrate orbital propulsion transfer in early 2027.
NASA is actively managing supply chains and adjusting hardware requirements to adhere to the timeline. These efforts include developing a stretch version of the Vulcan rocket and modifying specifications for the Axiom spacesuit to accelerate development.
