August M
NASA’s plan to return astronauts to the Moon has been pushed back again, with the first new crewed lunar landing now expected during Artemis IV in 2028.
According to agency statements, Artemis III will no longer attempt a Moon landing and will instead focus on testing systems needed for future deep-space missions, reports Digi24.ro.
Mission overhaul
NASA said Artemis III will keep astronauts in low Earth orbit while engineers and mission planners evaluate technologies required for long-duration travel to the Moon and Mars.
The mission is expected to launch four astronauts aboard the Orion spacecraft using the Space Launch System rocket.
Euronews previously reported that the revised mission is designed to confirm how several spacecraft and commercial partners can operate together before a crew attempts another lunar landing.
Testing technology
NASA said the updated schedule also gives SpaceX and Blue Origin additional time to develop and test lunar landing systems.
SpaceX had originally been selected to support crewed Moon landings with its Starship vehicle, although NASA later reopened parts of the contracting process because of delays.
According to NASA, Blue Origin is also preparing tests of its Blue Moon lunar lander during a robotic mission planned for later this year.
Longer missions
The unnamed Artemis III crew will remain in space longer than astronauts on previous Artemis flights, NASA said.
The mission will test onboard life-support technology, including water, oxygen and nitrogen systems needed for future deep-space travel.
Astronauts are also expected to evaluate a docking system that allows spacecraft to connect and refuel in orbit, a capability experts told Euronews is considered essential for future Mars missions.
“The mission will contribute to the development of rendezvous and habitation concepts for the lunar module, as well as operations required for future lunar surface missions,” NASA said in a statement.
Sources: Digi24.ro, Euronews, NASA
