NASA updates lander plans for Moon landings, finally solves long-festering Orion issue
Summary
NASA has updated its plans for returning astronauts to the Moon as part of the Artemis Program. The changes include new ways for NASA’s Orion spacecraft to connect with SpaceX’s Starship and Blue Origin’s landers before heading to the lunar surface. NASA aims to carry out a test mission in 2027 and send astronauts to the Moon by 2028.Key Facts
- NASA plans to return astronauts to the Moon by 2028 under the Artemis Program.
- Orion spacecraft will dock with SpaceX’s Starship lunar lander in high-Earth orbit before going to the Moon.
- SpaceX’s Starship will be refueled multiple times in orbit; estimates of refueling launches range from 6 to about 22 launches.
- Blue Origin’s plan involves four launches of the New Glenn rocket without needing spacecraft-to-spacecraft refueling initially.
- Blue Origin’s Blue Moon lander might meet Orion in low-lunar orbit instead of requiring refueling in space.
- Artemis III mission is planned for summer 2027 as a test docking mission near Earth.
- NASA canceled the Lunar Gateway project earlier this year, changing docking plans for SpaceX.
- NASA officials say the current plans are achievable with the resources and support they have.
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