NASA has unveiled further changes to its Artemis programme, introducing revised spacecraft operations and additional testing as the agency prepares to return astronauts to the Moon in 2028.
Under the revised plans, Artemis III will launch four astronauts into Earth orbit in 2027 to test docking procedures between NASA's Orion spacecraft and experimental lunar landers developed by SpaceX and Blue Origin.
The mission will test critical systems before Artemis IV attempts the first crewed lunar landing since Apollo 17 in 1972.
New Plans for Lunar Exploration
NASA has also revised how its spacecraft will reach the Moon. SpaceX's Starship lander could dock with Orion in Earth orbit before transporting both spacecraft towards the Moon, while Blue Origin is developing an alternative approach using orbital transfer stages.
Both companies are competing to provide the first lunar lander, with NASA intending to select whichever system is ready to safely support the 2028 mission.
The revised programme includes lighter spacesuits, alternative rocket upper stages and additional spacecraft testing to reduce technical risks.
Europe will continue contributing through the European Space Agency's Orion European Service Module, which supplies essential propulsion, power and other spacecraft systems.
Although the changes aim to accelerate lunar exploration, the 2028 landing remains a target dependent on successful testing of several complex technologies.