What Changes Did NASA Make to Its Moon Landing Plans?

NASA has announced an additional mission to its Artemis programme, modifying its plans for a lunar return. The extra flight will take place before the Artemis III mission, allowing astronauts to practice docking with a lunar lander in low-Earth orbit in 2027. This adjustment aims to enhance safety and technology testing, ensuring that NASA remains on track for lunar landings in 2028 despite delays caused by technical issues with the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket.

Last updated: 30 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

NASA's Artemis programme is evolving with the introduction of an extra mission before attempting to land astronauts on the Moon. The upcoming Artemis II mission, scheduled for April 2024, will see four astronauts fly around the Moon, but the newly added Artemis III mission will now include a low-Earth orbit test in 2027 before any lunar landing. NASA aims to conduct at least one lunar landing by 2028, with plans for Artemis IV and V also in place. The agency's Administrator, Jared Isaacman, emphasised the need for more frequent launches to mitigate risks associated with long gaps between missions.

Key takeaways

NASA has added a low-Earth orbit mission before Artemis III to test docking with a lunar lander.
The Artemis II mission is now set for April 2024, delayed due to a helium leak in the SLS rocket.
NASA aims to achieve lunar landings by 2028, with future missions (Artemis IV and V) already planned.

Timeline: how we got here

NASA's Artemis programme has seen several key milestones and challenges over the last few years, including:

December 2021: Artemis I successfully launched an uncrewed mission around the Moon.
March 2024: Artemis II mission planned, aiming for a lunar flyby.
April 2024: Current earliest launch opportunity for Artemis II following repairs to the SLS rocket.
2027: Planned low-Earth orbit mission for Artemis III to practice docking with the lunar lander.
2028: Target for the first lunar landing under the Artemis programme.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The most recent updates reveal a significant alteration in the Artemis programme, with an additional low-Earth orbit mission before the lunar landing attempt. NASA has stated that this change will not hinder its timeline for lunar exploration but will instead enhance safety and readiness through additional testing.

What was already established

Prior to this announcement, the Artemis programme aimed for a series of missions leading to a lunar landing, with Artemis II set for a flyby and Artemis III initially planned for direct lunar landing. However, delays and technical challenges have necessitated a reassessment of the mission structure.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

While NASA's Artemis programme directly affects the US space agenda, UK consumers may notice indirect impacts, such as advancements in technology and potential collaborations in aerospace sectors. Increased investment in space exploration can also lead to job creation and advancements in related industries, potentially benefiting UK households.

Businesses and jobs

The Artemis programme's evolution could stimulate growth in the UK aerospace sector. Companies involved in space technology, engineering, and research may find new opportunities as NASA seeks to innovate and streamline its missions. Additionally, UK firms may collaborate on technology development for lunar missions, fostering job creation.

Policy and regulation

As NASA adapts its plans, UK policymakers may be prompted to reassess their own space strategies and funding. The UK Space Agency is likely to monitor developments closely, considering collaborations and partnerships that could enhance the UK’s position in the global space arena.

Numbers that matter

2024: Expected launch of Artemis II in April.
2027: Planned low-Earth orbit mission for Artemis III.
2028: Target for the first lunar landing under Artemis III.
3 years: Delay in the Artemis programme timeline due to technical issues.
1: Lunar lander contract awarded to SpaceX, with additional proposals solicited from Blue Origin.

Definitions and jargon buster

Artemis Programme: NASA's initiative to return humans to the Moon and establish a sustainable human presence.
Orion Capsule: The spacecraft designed to transport astronauts to lunar orbit.
Space Launch System (SLS): NASA's powerful rocket designed for deep space missions.
Low-Earth Orbit (LEO): The region of space near Earth, typically at altitudes of 160 to 2,000 km.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, NASA will focus on completing repairs to the SLS rocket for the Artemis II mission. The agency will also prepare for further testing and integration of the Orion capsule and lander systems.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Throughout the next six months, NASA aims to successfully launch Artemis II, perform the planned low-Earth orbit mission for Artemis III, and solidify contracts for lunar landers. Progress will be closely monitored to ensure adherence to the 2028 lunar landing timeline.

Signals to watch

Updates on the launch schedule for Artemis II.
Progress on the development of the lunar lander from SpaceX and Blue Origin.
Technological advancements and testing outcomes from the low-Earth orbit mission.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay informed on NASA's updates and mission schedules.
Engage with educational resources related to space exploration.
Support local aerospace initiatives that benefit from NASA's missions.

Don’t

Assume delays will derail NASA's long-term plans entirely.
Neglect the potential impact of space missions on technology advancement.
Overlook opportunities for collaboration in the aerospace sector.

Checklist

Follow NASA's social media for real-time updates.
Explore local events or talks related to space exploration.
Consider educational courses or webinars on aerospace technology.
Monitor advancements in space technology and partnerships.
Engage with communities interested in space and science.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While NASA's modified Artemis mission schedule aims to mitigate risks and enhance safety, uncertainties remain. The selection of a lunar lander is still pending, and delays in technology development could further impact timelines. Additionally, international competition, particularly from China, adds pressure on the US to maintain its leadership in lunar exploration.

Bottom line

The addition of a low-Earth orbit mission to NASA's Artemis programme marks a strategic shift aimed at improving safety and readiness for future lunar landings. As the agency navigates technical challenges and international competition, UK readers should consider the implications for technological advancement and potential collaboration in the aerospace sector.

FAQs

What is the Artemis programme?

The Artemis programme is NASA's initiative to return humans to the Moon, aiming for sustainable exploration and establishing a human presence on the lunar surface.

When is the next Artemis mission scheduled?

The next mission, Artemis II, is scheduled for April 2024, involving a lunar flyby with four astronauts aboard.

What is the significance of the low-Earth orbit mission?

The low-Earth orbit mission will allow astronauts to test docking with a lunar lander and assess integrated systems before attempting a lunar landing in 2028.