NASA sets 2028 for next crewed lunar landing
The agency moved the docking phase from lunar orbit to Earth space to accommodate SpaceX requirements.
By Harper Foster ·
NASA announced on Friday that a crewed lunar landing is targeted for 2028.
The agency held a news conference to detail the revised architecture for the Artemis program. This marks the first time officials have fully described the new approach in public.
The primary change involves the docking procedure for SpaceX's Starship. Under the previous plan, the Orion spacecraft and the Starship lander would meet in a near-rectilinear halo orbit around the Moon. The new plan requires them to dock in high-Earth orbit instead. The two vehicles would then travel together toward the Moon.
SpaceX engineers requested this shift during meetings in early 2026. They argued the lunar orbit requirement demanded too much energy and created operational difficulties. The issue became moot after NASA canceled the Lunar Gateway earlier this year.
Blue Origin's approach remains distinct. Its plan involves four separate launches of the New Glenn rocket. No refueling between spacecraft is required in this configuration. The Blue Moon lander could potentially meet Orion in low-lunar orbit, a detail NASA left open.
Officials confirmed that Artemis III is still scheduled for summer 2027. That mission will serve as a demonstration where Orion docks with both the Blue Moon and Starship vehicles near Earth. Artemis IV, the first mission to land astronauts on the lunar surface, remains on track for 2028.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman expressed confidence in the timeline. He stated, "This is an achievable path we are on right now," adding that the agency has the mandate and resources to execute the plan.
