Artemis program

{{Short description|NASA-led lunar exploration program}} {{Use American English|date=October 2018}} {{Use mdy dates|date=April 2026}} {{Infobox space program | image = frameless|upright=0.5 | alt = An arrowhead combined with a depiction of a trans-lunar injection trajectory forms an "A", with an "Artemis" wordmark printed underneath | organization = NASA and partners: ESA, JAXA, DLR, UKSA, ASI, ISA, MBRSC, KARI{{Citation needed|reason=no official sources indicate KARI is a partner|date=May 2026}}, and CSA | purpose = Sustainable crewed lunar exploration | status = Ongoing | cost = US$93 billion (2012–2025),<br /> $53 billion in 2021–2025<ref name = "NASA OIG 2021" /> | duration = Since {{start date and age| 2017}}<ref name="Artemis_home201905192">{{Source-attribution|{{cite web|title=NASA: Moon to Mars|url=https://www.nasa.gov/specials/moontomars/index.html|website=nasa.gov|publisher=NASA|access-date=May 19, 2019|archive-date=August 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190805055135/https://www.nasa.gov/specials/moontomars/index.html|url-status=live}}|sentence=yes}}</ref> | firstflight = Artemis I (November 16, 2022)<ref>{{Citation |title=Artemis I Launch to the Moon (Official NASA Broadcast) - Nov. 16, 2022 | date=November 16, 2022 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMLD0Lp0JBg |language=en |access-date=November 16, 2022}}</ref><ref name="nasa-20221108"/> | firstcrewed = Artemis II (April 1, 2026) | launchsite = {{Unbulleted list|Cape Canaveral Space Force Station|Kennedy Space Center|Starbase}} | crewvehicle = {{Unbulleted list|Orion|Starship HLS|Blue Moon}} | launcher = {{Unbulleted list|Space Launch System<ref name=nsf-20170406>{{cite news|url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2017/04/nasa-goals-missions-sls-eyes-multi-step-mars/|title=NASA finally sets goals, missions for SLS — multi-step plan to Mars|publisher=NASASpaceFlight.com|first=Chris|last=Gebhardt|date=April 6, 2017|access-date=August 21, 2017|archive-date=August 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170821221210/https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2017/04/nasa-goals-missions-sls-eyes-multi-step-mars/|url-status=live}}</ref>|Starship|Falcon Heavy<ref name=nasa20221117>{{cite web|last=NASA|url=https://www.nasa.gov/gateway/overview|title=Gateway: overview|publisher=NASA|date=November 17, 2022|access-date=March 6, 2023}}</ref>|New Glenn|Commercial launch vehicles<ref name=verge20190718/>}} | capacity = 4<ref>{{Citation |title=Orion Components | work=NASA | date=February 27, 2024 |url=https://www.nasa.gov/reference/orion-components/ |language=en |access-date=June 18, 2024}}</ref> | image_size = 250px }} {{United States space program sidebar}}

The '''Artemis program''' is a Moon exploration program led by the United States' National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), aimed at returning humans to the Moon for the first time since the Apollo program and building a permanent lunar base. It was formally established via Space Policy Directive-1 in 2017 by President Donald Trump.

Among the principal elements of the Artemis program are Space Shuttle–derived hardware, such as the Space Launch System's (SLS) core stage, its RS-25 engines, and solid rocket boosters, as well as systems originating in the canceled Constellation program, including the Orion spacecraft (paired with the European Service Module) and booster upgrades initially developed for Ares V. Other elements, such as the Human Landing System (HLS), are in development by private spaceflight companies under contract. International collaborations are bound by the Artemis Accords.

The uncrewed Artemis I mission sent an Orion spacecraft to lunar orbit in 2022. Artemis II sent four astronauts on a lunar flyby in 2026, becoming the first crewed flight beyond low Earth orbit since the Apollo program. Artemis III, scheduled for late 2027, is planned to test an HLS lunar lander in Earth orbit. Artemis IV, targeted for 2028, is planned to be the first crewed lunar landing since Apollo. Beginning with Artemis V, scheduled for no earlier than late 2028, NASA intends yearly lunar landings to develop a permanent lunar base, as a step toward human missions to deeper space.

==Overview== The Artemis program is organized around a series of missions of increasing complexity, intended to be spaced about a year apart. NASA and its partners have planned missions Artemis I through Artemis V, with additional missions proposed. Each numbered mission centers on launching an SLS rocket carrying an Orion spacecraft. Missions after Artemis II will also rely on support missions by other organizations and spacecraft. Referred to under the name ''Lunar Codex'', Artemis missions have also contemplated sending to the moon an archive of cultural works from creators across the globe.<ref>{{Cite news |date=August 1, 2023 |title=Lunar Codex: digitised works of 30,000 artists to be archived on moon |url=https://www.theguardian.com/science/2023/aug/01/lunar-codex-30000-digitised-works-of-human-creativity-to-be-put-on-moon |access-date=March 29, 2026 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>

The core infrastructure of Artemis consists of SLS, Orion, and the HLS. Additional program elements include the Commercial Lunar Payload Services, Exploration Ground Systems, Artemis Base Camp, the Lunar Terrain Vehicle, and spacesuit development.<ref name="sn-20230313">{{cite web |last=Foust |first=Jeff |url=https://spacenews.com/nasa-planning-to-spend-up-to-1-billion-on-space-station-deorbit-module/ |title=NASA planning to spend up to $1 billion on space station deorbit module |work=SpaceNews |date=March 13, 2023 |access-date=March 13, 2023}}</ref><ref name="sn-20221030">{{cite web |last=Foust |first=Jeff |url=https://spacenews.com/lunar-landing-restored-for-artemis-4-mission/ |title=Lunar landing restored for Artemis 4 mission |work=SpaceNews |date=October 30, 2022 |access-date=October 31, 2022}}</ref><ref name="fy25-m2m">{{cite web |url=https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/fy-2025-budget-request-summary-updated.pdf |title=FY 2025 Budget Request {{!}} FY 2025 President's Budget Request Moon to Mars Manifest |page=6 |work=NASA |date=April 15, 2024 |access-date=July 31, 2024}}</ref> Certain program choices, including the use of a near-rectilinear halo orbit and long-term sustainability plans, have drawn criticism.

Orion's first launch on SLS, originally scheduled for 2016, was delayed repeatedly and ultimately flew on November 16, 2022, as Artemis I, carrying mannequins and robotic payloads. The crewed Artemis II (lunar fly-by) mission flew on April 1, 2026. The future Artemis III (Earth orbit) is planned for late 2027, Artemis IV (lunar landing) for early 2028 and Artemis V (lunar landing) for late 2028. NASA plans approximately annual lunar landings thereafter.<ref name=":7" />

===SLS missions=== * Artemis I (November 16, 2022) was the first uncrewed test flight of the SLS, Orion, and ESM.{{efn-lr|group=main|An Orion capsule was flown in 2014, but not the entire Orion spacecraft.}} The mission sent Orion into a polar distant retrograde lunar orbit for about six days before returning to Earth, where the capsule re-entered the atmosphere and splashed down in the Pacific Ocean under parachutes.<ref name="SFN20200518">{{cite web|last=Clark|first=Stephen|url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2020/05/18/nasa-will-likely-add-a-rendezvous-test-to-the-first-piloted-orion-space-mission/|title=NASA will likely add a rendezvous test to the first piloted Orion space mission|publisher=Spaceflight Now|date=May 18, 2020|access-date=May 19, 2020|archive-date=July 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200708065618/https://spaceflightnow.com/2020/05/18/nasa-will-likely-add-a-rendezvous-test-to-the-first-piloted-orion-space-mission/|url-status=live}}</ref> Although the mission was successful overall, Orion's ablative heat shield experienced greater-than-expected erosion during reentry.<ref name="Berger 2026-01-09">{{Cite news |last=Berger |first=Eric |author-link=Eric Berger (journalist) |date=January 9, 2026 |title=Is Orion's heat shield really safe? New NASA chief conducts final review on eve of flight. |url=https://arstechnica.com/space/2026/01/nasa-chief-reviews-orion-heat-shield-expresses-full-confidence-in-it-for-artemis-ii/ |access-date=January 27, 2026 |work=Ars Technica |language=en}}</ref> * Artemis II (April 1, 2026) was the first crewed test flight of SLS and Orion.<ref name="spo-20240109">{{cite web |last=Smith |first=Marcia |date=January 9, 2024 |title=NASA Delays Next Artemis Missions to 2025 and 2026 |url=https://spacepolicyonline.com/news/nasa-delays-next-artemis-missions-to-2025-and-2026/ |access-date=January 10, 2024 |work=SpacePolicyOnline}}</ref> The four crew members performed extensive testing of the spacecraft in high Earth orbit before Orion was boosted into a free-return trajectory around the Moon, returning to Earth for re-entry and splashdown. The mission was broadly comparable to Apollo 7 and Apollo 8, although Artemis II did not orbit the Moon and flew a more distant lunar flyby than the Apollo missions.<ref name="spo-20240109" /><ref name="auto">{{Cite web |title=NASA Shares Orion Heat Shield Findings, Updates Artemis Moon Missions - NASA |url=https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-shares-orion-heat-shield-findings-updates-artemis-moon-missions/ |access-date=December 5, 2024 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Clark |first=Stephen |date=February 21, 2026 |title=NASA says it needs to haul the Artemis II rocket back to the hangar for repairs |url=https://arstechnica.com/space/2026/02/nasa-says-it-needs-to-haul-the-artemis-ii-rocket-back-to-the-hangar-for-repairs/ |access-date=February 24, 2026 |website=Ars Technica |language=en}}</ref> * Artemis III (late 2027) is planned to be the second crewed Artemis mission. The crew will launch aboard SLS/Orion and conduct rendezvous and docking tests in Earth orbit with one or both commercially developed lunar landers launched separately—SpaceX's Starship HLS and Blue Origin's Blue Moon—as well as test the Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU) space suit.<ref name="Clark 2026-04-28">{{Cite news |last=Clark |first=Stephen |date=April 28, 2026 |title=Put it in pencil: NASA's Artemis III mission will launch no earlier than late 2027 |url=https://arstechnica.com/space/2026/04/put-it-in-pencil-nasas-artemis-iii-mission-will-launch-no-earlier-than-late-2027/ |access-date=2026-04-28 |website=Ars Technica |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":7">{{Cite web |last=Warner |first=Cheryl |date=March 3, 2026 |title=NASA Strengthens Artemis: Adds Mission, Refines Overall Architecture |url=https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/esdmd/nasa-strengthens-artemis-adds-mission-refines-overall-architecture/ |access-date=March 3, 2026 |website=NASA |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite tweet |number=2028808303799566684 |user=NASAAdmin |title=Endeavoring for not just one, but TWO Moon landings in 2028. Coming weeks: Artemis II around the Moon. Mid-2027: Artemis III rendezvousing with one or both HLS providers, testing space suits in low Earth orbit. Early 2028: Artemis IV lunar landing. Late 2028: Artemis V lunar landing, beginning work on lunar base. This is how we get back to the Moon with urgency, to stay. |first=Jared |last=Isaacman |author-link=Jared Isaacman |date=March 3, 2026 |access-date=March 3, 2026}}</ref> The mission is broadly comparable to Apollo 9. * Artemis IV (early 2028) is planned to be the first American crewed lunar landing since Apollo 17 in December 1972.<ref name="spo-20240109" /> The mission depends on a prior support flight to place a lander in lunar orbit before the launch of SLS/Orion. After arrival, astronauts will transfer to the lander for descent to the lunar surface, conduct at least two extravehicular activities (EVAs), and then return to lunar orbit for rendezvous with Orion. Orion will subsequently return the four astronauts to Earth. Launch is scheduled for no earlier than early 2028.<ref name=":7" /><ref>{{cite news |last=Foust |first=Jeff |url=https://spacenews.com/nasa-outlines-plans-for-lunar-lander-development-through-commercial-partnerships/ |title=NASA outlines plans for lunar lander development through commercial partnerships |work=SpaceNews |date=July 21, 2019 |access-date=July 17, 2020}}</ref> * Artemis V (late 2028) is planned to be the second crewed lunar landing. This mission also is when NASA is expected to begin building its Moon base.<ref name=":7" />

== History == [[File:Altair-orion.jpg|thumb|An artist's rendering of the lunar module (left) and Orion spacecraft envisioned during the Constellation program]]

===Early history=== The Artemis program incorporates several major components of previously cancelled NASA programs and missions, including the Constellation program and the Asteroid Redirect Mission.

Originally legislated by the NASA Authorization Act of 2005, as the retirement of the Space Shuttle drew near, the Constellation program included the development of the Ares I and Ares V rockets along with the Orion spacecraft.<ref>{{cite web|last=Moskowitz|first=Clara|date=January 7, 2011|title=NASA Stuck in Limbo as New Congress Takes Over|url=https://www.space.com/9712-nasa-stuck-limbo-congress-takes.html|access-date=October 19, 2020|publisher=Space.com|archive-date=October 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022131707/https://www.space.com/9712-nasa-stuck-limbo-congress-takes.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In May 2009, U.S. president Barack Obama established the Augustine Committee to take into account several objectives including support for the International Space Station, development of missions beyond low Earth orbit (including the Moon, Mars, and near-Earth objects), and use of the commercial space industry within defined budget limits.<ref>{{Source-attribution|sentence=yes|{{cite web|url=http://www.nasa.gov/offices/hsf/about/charter.html|title=Charter of the Review of U.S. Human Space Flight Plans Committee|date=September 8, 2009|first=Dennis|last=Bonilla|author-link=Dennis Bonilla|publisher=NASA|access-date=September 9, 2009|archive-date=April 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210408073359/https://www.nasa.gov/offices/hsf/about/charter.html|url-status=live}} }}</ref> The committee concluded that the Constellation program was massively underfunded and that a 2020 Moon landing was impossible. Constellation was subsequently put on hold.<ref>{{cite news|last=Amos|first=Jonathan|date=October 11, 2010|title=Obama signs Nasa up to new future|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-11518049|access-date=September 30, 2020|archive-date=September 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926115826/https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-11518049|url-status=live}}</ref>

On April 15, 2010, President Obama spoke at the Kennedy Space Center, announcing the administration's plans for NASA and cancelling the non-Orion elements of Constellation, saying that the program was not viable.<ref>{{Source-attribution|sentence=yes|{{cite web|url=http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/396093main_HSF_Cmte_FinalReport.pdf|title=Seeking A Human Spaceflight Program Worthy of A Great Nation|display-authors=4|author=Review of U.S. Human Space Flight Plans Committee |author2=Augustine|author3=Austin|author4=Chyba|author5=Kennel|author6=Bejmuk|author7=Crawley|author8=Lyles|author9=Chiao|author10=Greason|author11=Ride|work=Final Report|publisher=NASA|access-date=April 15, 2010|archive-date=February 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190216063908/https://www.nasa.gov/pdf/396093main_HSF_Cmte_FinalReport.pdf|url-status=live}} }}</ref> He instead proposed US$6 billion in additional funding and called for the development of a new heavy-lift rocket program to be ready for construction by 2015 with crewed missions to Mars orbit by the mid-2030s.<ref>{{Source-attribution|sentence=yes|{{cite web|url=http://www.nasa.gov/news/media/trans/obama_ksc_trans.html|title=President Barack Obama on Space Exploration in the 21st Century|publisher=NASA|access-date=September 1, 2019|archive-date=December 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171214131316/http://www.nasa.gov/news/media/trans/obama_ksc_trans.html|url-status=live}} }}</ref>

On October 11, 2010, President Obama signed into law the NASA Authorization Act of 2010, which included requirements for the immediate development of the SLS rocket and the Orion spacecraft to support missions beyond low Earth orbit starting in 2016, while making use of the workforce, assets, and capabilities of the Space Shuttle program, Constellation program, and other NASA programs. The law also invested in space technologies and robotics capabilities tied to the overall space exploration framework, ensured continued support for Commercial Orbital Transportation Services, Commercial Resupply Services, and expanded the Commercial Crew Development program.<ref>{{Source-attribution|{{cite web|url=https://www.congress.gov/bill/111th-congress/senate-bill/3729|title=S.3729 – National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010|date=October 11, 2010|publisher=United States Congress|access-date=January 9, 2020|archive-date=April 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428040539/https://www.congress.gov/bill/111th-congress/senate-bill/3729|url-status=live}}|sentence=yes}}</ref>

On June 30, 2017, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to re-establish the National Space Council, chaired by Vice President Mike Pence. The administration's first budget request kept Obama-era human spaceflight programs: Commercial Resupply Services, Commercial Crew Development, the Space Launch System, and the Orion spacecraft for deep space missions, while reducing Earth science research and calling for the elimination of NASA's education office.<ref>{{cite web |last=Clark |first=Stephen |date=June 30, 2017 |title=Trump signs order reviving long-dormant National Space Council |url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2017/06/30/trump-signs-order-re-creating-long-dormant-national-space-council/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109031515/https://spaceflightnow.com/2017/06/30/trump-signs-order-re-creating-long-dormant-national-space-council/ |archive-date=November 9, 2020 |access-date=June 30, 2017 |publisher=Spaceflight Now}}</ref>

=== Redefinition and naming as Artemis === On December 11, 2017, President Trump signed Space Policy Directive 1, calling for a U.S.-led program for a human return to the Moon, followed by missions to Mars and beyond. The policy calls for the NASA administrator to "lead an innovative and sustainable program of exploration with commercial and international partners to enable human expansion across the Solar System and to bring back to Earth new knowledge and opportunities". The effort intends to more effectively organize government, private industry, and international efforts toward returning humans to the Moon and working toward eventual human exploration of Mars.<ref name="Artemis_home201905192">{{Source-attribution|{{cite web|title=NASA: Moon to Mars|url=https://www.nasa.gov/specials/moontomars/index.html|website=nasa.gov|publisher=NASA|access-date=May 19, 2019|archive-date=August 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190805055135/https://www.nasa.gov/specials/moontomars/index.html|url-status=live}}|sentence=yes}}</ref>

Space Policy Directive 1 authorized the lunar-focused campaign, later named Artemis, drawing upon legacy U.S. programs, including the Orion space capsule, the Lunar Gateway space station, and Commercial Lunar Payload Services, and created the new Human Landing System program. The Space Launch System was expected to serve as the primary launch vehicle for Orion, while commercial launch vehicles were to launch various other elements of the program.<ref name="Verge May2019">{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/5/17/18627839/nasa-administrator-jim-bridenstine-artemis-moon-program-budget-amendment|title=NASA administrator on new Moon plan: "We're doing this in a way that's never been done before"|first=Loren|last=Grush|publisher=The Verge|date=May 17, 2019|access-date=May 20, 2019|archive-date=July 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200704091616/https://www.theverge.com/2019/5/17/18627839/nasa-administrator-jim-bridenstine-artemis-moon-program-budget-amendment|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:EFT-1 Orion recovery.5.jpg|thumb|The Orion capsule in the Pacific Ocean, following the Exploration Flight Test-1 mission]]

On March 26, 2019, Pence announced that NASA's Moon landing goal would be accelerated by four years with a planned landing in 2024.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Pearlman |first1=Robert |date=May 14, 2019 |title=NASA Names New Moon Landing Program Artemis After Apollo's Sister |url=https://www.space.com/nasa-names-moon-landing-program-artemis.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190726011226/https://www.space.com/nasa-names-moon-landing-program-artemis.html |archive-date=July 26, 2019 |access-date=May 14, 2019 |publisher=Space.com}}</ref> On May 16, 2019, NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine announced that the new program would be named Artemis, after the goddess of the Moon in Greek mythology who is the twin sister of Apollo, after which NASA's 1960's moon landing program was named.<ref name="Verge May20192">{{cite web |last=Grush |first=Loren |date=May 17, 2019 |title=NASA administrator on new Moon plan: "We're doing this in a way that's never been done before" |url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/5/17/18627839/nasa-administrator-jim-bridenstine-artemis-moon-program-budget-amendment |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200704091616/https://www.theverge.com/2019/5/17/18627839/nasa-administrator-jim-bridenstine-artemis-moon-program-budget-amendment |archive-date=July 4, 2020 |access-date=May 20, 2019 |publisher=The Verge}}</ref><ref name="NYT-20192">{{cite news |last=Chang |first=Kenneth |date=May 13, 2019 |title=For Artemis Mission to Moon, NASA Seeks to Add Billions to Budget |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/13/science/trump-nasa-moon-mars.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190525034839/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/13/science/trump-nasa-moon-mars.html |archive-date=May 25, 2019 |access-date=July 21, 2019 |newspaper=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Mars missions by the 2030s were still intended {{as of|2019|05|lc=y}}.<ref name="Artemis_home201905192"/>

In mid-2019, NASA requested US$1.6 billion in additional funding for Artemis for fiscal year 2020,<ref name="Harwood CBS">{{cite news|last=Harwood|first=William|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/nasa-moon-mission-budget-administrator-jim-bridenstine/|title=NASA boss pleads for steady moon mission funding|work=CBS News|date=July 17, 2019|access-date=August 28, 2019|archive-date=November 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112021709/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/nasa-moon-mission-budget-administrator-jim-bridenstine/|url-status=live}}</ref> while the Senate Appropriations Committee requested from NASA a five-year budget profile<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://spacenews.com/senate-appropriators-advance-bill-funding-nasa-despite-uncertainties-about-artemis-costs/|title=Senate appropriators advance bill funding NASA despite uncertainties about Artemis costs|website=SpaceNews|date=September 27, 2019 |access-date=June 26, 2022}}</ref> which is needed for evaluation and approval by Congress.<ref>{{cite web|title=Trump wants US$1.6 billion for a Moon mission and proposes to get it from college aid|last1=Fernholz|first1=Tim|date=May 14, 2019 |publisher=Quartz|url=https://qz.com/1618604/nasa-asks-for-1-6-billion-to-fund-artemis-moon-program/|access-date=May 14, 2019|archive-date=November 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108005352/https://qz.com/1618604/nasa-asks-for-1-6-billion-to-fund-artemis-moon-program/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://arstechnica.com/science/2019/05/nasa-reveals-funding-needed-for-moon-program-says-it-will-be-named-artemis/|title=NASA reveals funding needed for Moon program, says it will be named Artemis|last=Berger|first=Eric|date=May 14, 2019|publisher=Ars Technica|access-date=May 22, 2019|archive-date=July 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190727082844/https://arstechnica.com/science/2019/05/nasa-reveals-funding-needed-for-moon-program-says-it-will-be-named-artemis/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In February 2020, the White House requested a funding increase of 12% to cover the Artemis program as part of its fiscal year 2021 budget. The total budget would have been US$25.2 billion per year with US$3.7 billion dedicated toward a Human Landing System. NASA chief financial officer Jeff DeWit said he thought the agency had "a very good shot" to get this budget through Congress despite Democratic concerns around the program.<ref name="NASA puts a price on a 2024 Moon landing — US$35 billion2">{{cite web |last=Berger |first=Eric |date=February 11, 2020 |title=NASA puts a price on a 2024 Moon landing – US$35 billion |url=https://arstechnica.com/science/2020/02/nasa-puts-a-price-on-a-2024-moon-landing-35-billion/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200211004509/https://arstechnica.com/science/2020/02/nasa-puts-a-price-on-a-2024-moon-landing-35-billion/ |archive-date=February 11, 2020 |access-date=February 11, 2020 |publisher=Ars Technica}}</ref> However, in July 2020, the House Appropriations Committee rejected the White House's requested funding increase.<ref name="Appropriations Committee Releases Fiscal Year 2021 Commerce-Justice-Science Funding Bill2">{{Source-attribution|{{cite web|url=https://appropriations.house.gov/news/press-releases/appropriations-committee-releases-fiscal-year-2021-commerce-justice-science|title=Appropriations Committee Releases Fiscal Year 2021 Commerce-Justice-Science Funding Bill|work=House Committee on Appropriations - Republicans |date=July 7, 2020|access-date=August 7, 2020|archive-date=August 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805142746/https://appropriations.house.gov/news/press-releases/appropriations-committee-releases-fiscal-year-2021-commerce-justice-science|url-status=live}}|sentence=yes}}</ref> The bill proposed in the House dedicated only US$700 million toward the Human Landing System, 81% (US$3 billion) short of the requested amount.<ref>{{cite web |date=July 7, 2020 |title=House bill offers flat funding for NASA |url=https://spacenews.com/house-bill-offers-flat-funding-for-nasa/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20200712193948/https://spacenews.com/house-bill-offers-flat-funding-for-nasa/ |archive-date=July 12, 2020 |access-date=September 30, 2020 |publisher=SpaceNews}}</ref>

In April 2020, NASA awarded funding to Blue Origin, Dynetics, and SpaceX for 10-month-long preliminary design studies for the HLS.<ref name=nsf20200501/><ref name=ars20200430/><ref name=nasapr20200430/>

On February 4, 2021, the Biden administration endorsed the Artemis program.<ref name="sn20210204">{{cite news |url=https://spacenews.com/white-house-endorses-artemis-program/ |title=White House endorses Artemis program |date=February 4, 2021 |work=SpaceNews |access-date=April 29, 2021 }}</ref> More specifically, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki expressed the Biden administration's "support [for] this effort and endeavor".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/briefing-room/press-briefings/2021/02/04/press-briefing-by-press-secretary-jen-psaki-and-national-security-advisor-jake-sullivan-february-4-2021/ |title=Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jen Psaki and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, February 4, 2021 |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=February 4, 2021 |website=whitehouse.gov |access-date=March 19, 2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210311112109/https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/press-briefings/2021/02/04/press-briefing-by-press-secretary-jen-psaki-and-national-security-advisor-jake-sullivan-february-4-2021/ |archive-date=March 11, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-55949250 |title=Artemis: Biden administration backs US Moon shot |last=Rincon |first=Paul |date=February 5, 2021 |website=BBC News Online |access-date=March 19, 2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210316161046/https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-55949250 |archive-date=March 16, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2021/03/02/biden-space-artemis-moon-trump/ |url-access=limited |title=The Biden administration has set out to dismantle Trump's legacy, except in one area: Space |last=Davenport |first=Christian |date=March 2, 2021 |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=March 19, 2021 |archive-date=April 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428040540/https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2021/03/02/biden-space-artemis-moon-trump/ |url-status=live }}</ref> However, throughout February 2021, Acting Administrator of NASA Steve Jurczyk reiterated those budget concerns when asked about the project's schedule,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.space.com/nasa-acting-administrator-steve-jurczyk-2021-interview |title=NASA has a lot to tackle this year as Biden takes charge. Here's what the agency's acting chief has to say. |last=Bartels |first=Meghan |date=February 5, 2021 |website=Space.com |access-date=March 20, 2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210302102328/https://www.space.com/nasa-acting-administrator-steve-jurczyk-2021-interview |archive-date=March 2, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2021/02/16/nasa-trump-2024-moon-landing-goal-469135 |title=NASA reassesses Trump's 2024 moon goal |last=Feldscher |first=Jacqueline |date=February 16, 2021 |website=Politico |access-date=March 20, 2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210302115433/https://www.politico.com/news/2021/02/16/nasa-trump-2024-moon-landing-goal-469135 |archive-date=March 2, 2021}}</ref> clarifying that "The 2024 lunar landing goal may no longer be a realistic target [...]".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://arstechnica.com/science/2021/02/acting-nasa-chief-says-2024-moon-landing-no-longer-a-realistic-target/ |title=Acting NASA chief says 2024 Moon landing no longer a "realistic" target |last=Berger |first=Eric |date=February 18, 2021 |website=Ars Technica |access-date=March 20, 2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210304122956/https://arstechnica.com/science/2021/02/acting-nasa-chief-says-2024-moon-landing-no-longer-a-realistic-target/ |archive-date=March 4, 2021}}</ref>

On April 16, 2021, NASA contracted SpaceX to develop, manufacture, and fly two lunar landing flights with the Starship HLS lunar lander.<ref name="ars20210416" /> Blue Origin and Dynetics protested the award to the Government Accountability Office (GAO) on April 26.<ref name="sn20210426" /><ref name="sn20210427" /> After the GAO rejected the protests,<ref name="sn20210730" /> Blue Origin sued NASA over the award,<ref name="verge20210816" /><ref name="cnbc20210816" /> and NASA agreed to stop work on the contract until November 1 as the lawsuit proceeded. The judge dismissed the suit on November 4, and NASA resumed work with SpaceX.<ref>{{cite news|title="Bezos' Blue Origin loses NASA lawsuit over SpaceX $2.9 billion lunar lander contract"|date=November 4, 2021|first=Michael|last=Sheetz|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2021/11/04/bezos-blue-origin-loses-lawsuit-against-nasa-over-spacex-lunar-lander.html|access-date=November 4, 2021|publisher=CNBC}}</ref>

On November 15, 2021, an audit of NASA's Office of Inspector General estimated the true cost of the Artemis program at about $93 billion until 2025.<ref name="NASA OIG 2021">{{cite report |author=NASA Office of Inspector General |date=November 15, 2021 |title=NASA's Management of the Artemis Missions |url=https://oig.nasa.gov/docs/IG-22-003.pdf |publisher=NASA |page=21 |access-date=January 18, 2023 |quote=To account for all Artemis costs for FYs 2021 through 2025, including Phase 2 projects like the SLS Block 1B, Mobile Launcher 2, and Gateway, we found that $25 billion should be added to the Artemis Plan's estimated costs, increasing the total costs over this 5-year period to $53 billion. Furthermore, when considering the $40 billion already spent on the Artemis mission from FYs 2012 to 2020, the total projected cost through FY 2025 becomes $93 billion.}}</ref>

In addition to the initial SpaceX contract, NASA awarded two rounds of separate contracts in May 2019<ref>{{cite web|date=May 22, 2019|title=NASA awards US$45.5 million to 11 American companies to "advance human lunar landers"|url=https://www.mlive.com/news/2019/05/nasa-awards-455m-to-11-american-companies-to-advance-human-lunar-landers.html|website=mlive.com|access-date=March 24, 2022|archive-date=July 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726111305/https://www.mlive.com/news/2019/05/nasa-awards-455m-to-11-american-companies-to-advance-human-lunar-landers.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and September 2021,<ref>{{cite web|date=September 14, 2021|title=NASA Selects Five U.S. Companies to Mature Artemis Lander Concepts|url=https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-selects-five-us-companies-to-mature-artemis-lander-concepts|publisher=NASA|access-date=March 24, 2022|archive-date=September 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210915115320/http://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-selects-five-us-companies-to-mature-artemis-lander-concepts/|url-status=live}}</ref> on aspects of the HLS to encourage alternative designs, separately from the initial HLS development effort. It announced in March 2022 that it was developing new sustainability rules and pursuing both a Starship HLS upgrade (an option under the initial SpaceX contract) and new competing alternative designs. These came after criticism from members of Congress over the lack of redundancy and competition, and led NASA to ask for additional support.<ref name="NASAMarch2022Update">{{Cite web|url=https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-provides-update-to-astronaut-moon-lander-plans-under-artemis|date=March 23, 2022|access-date=March 24, 2022|website=NASA|last1=McGuinness|first1=Jackie|last2=Russell|first2=Jimi|last3=Sudnik|first3=Janet|last4=Potter|first4=Sean|title=NASA Provides Update to Astronaut Moon Lander Plans Under Artemis}}</ref><ref name="WallMarch2022">{{Cite web|url=https://www.space.com/nasa-more-artemis-moon-landers-for-astronauts|last=Wall|first=Mike|website=Space.com|title=NASA wants another moon lander for Artemis astronauts, not just SpaceX's Starship|date=March 23, 2022|access-date=March 24, 2022}}</ref>

== {{Anchor|Missions|Flights}}Missions == {{Main|List of Artemis missions}}

{| class="wikitable sortable" !Mission and patch !Launch !Crew !Lander !Duration !Goal !Status |- !Exploration Flight Test-1 | December 5, 2014 | {{N/A}} | {{N/A}} | 4 hours, 24 minutes | Earth orbital flight and reentry | {{Success}} |- ! Artemis I<br>50px | November 16, 2022<ref name="CNN Storm Nicole Report" /><ref name="nasa-20221108" /> | {{N/A}} | {{N/A}} | 25 days<ref>{{Cite web |title=NASA: Artemis I |url=https://www.nasa.gov/specials/artemis-i/ |access-date=November 16, 2022 |website=NASA}}</ref> | Uncrewed lunar orbit and return | {{Success}} |- ! Artemis II<br>50px | April 1, 2026 | {{Unbulleted list|class=nowrap | Reid Wiseman | Victor Glover | Christina Koch | Jeremy Hansen }} | {{N/A}} | 9 days<ref name="artemis-2-oficial-page">{{Cite web |title=Artemis II |url=https://www.nasa.gov/mission/artemis-ii/ |access-date=July 11, 2024 |website=NASA}}</ref> | Crewed lunar flyby | {{Success}} |- ! Artemis III | Late 2027<ref name="Clark 2026-04-28" /> | {{TBA}} | Blue Moon, Starship HLS, or both | {{TBA}} | Crewed test of HLS in low Earth orbit | {{planned}} |- ! Artemis IV | Early 2028<ref name=":7" /> | {{TBA}}{{efn-lr|Director General Josef Aschbacher stated one of the seats is reserved for the European Space Agency.<ref name="Germans">{{cite web |last1=Pultarova |first1=Tereza |title=1st European to fly to the moon will be German |url=https://www.space.com/space-exploration/human-spaceflight/1st-european-to-fly-to-the-moon-will-be-german |website=Space.com |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref><ref name="Art 4 and 5 Euros">{{cite web |last1=Howell |first1=Elizabeth |title=Artemis 4 and Artemis 5 moon missions will include European astronauts (exclusive interview) |url=https://www.space.com/artemis-4-5-moon-missions-european-astronauts |website=Space.com |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>}} | Blue Moon or Starship HLS | ~30 days | Lunar landing | {{planned}} |- ! Artemis V | Late 2028<ref name=":7" /> | {{TBA}}{{efn-lr|Director General Josef Aschbacher stated two of the seats are reserved for the European Space Agency.<ref name="Art 4 and 5 Euros"/><ref name="Germans"/>}} | Blue Moon or Starship HLS | ~30 days | Lunar landing, begin moonbase construction | {{planned}} |- ! Artemis VI | 2030<ref name=":7" /> | {{TBA}} | Blue Moon or Starship HLS | ~30 days | Lunar landing, begin moonbase construction | {{planned}} |- ! Artemis VII | 2031<ref name=":7" /> | {{TBA}} | Blue Moon or Starship HLS | ~30 days | Lunar landing, begin moonbase construction | {{planned}} |- ! Artemis VIII | 2032<ref name=":7" /> | {{TBA}} | Blue Moon or Starship HLS | ~30 days | Lunar landing, begin moonbase construction | {{planned}} |- ! Artemis IX | 2033<ref name=":7" /> | {{TBA}} | Blue Moon or Starship HLS | ~30 days | Lunar landing, begin moonbase construction | {{planned}} |- ! Artemis X | 2034<ref name=":7" /> | {{TBA}} | Blue Moon or Starship HLS | ~30 days | Lunar landing, begin moonbase construction | {{planned}} |- ! Artemis XI | 2035<ref name=":7" /> | {{TBA}} | Blue Moon or Starship HLS | ~30 days | Lunar landing, begin moonbase construction | {{planned}} |- ! Artemis XII | 2036<ref name=":7" /> | {{TBA}} | Blue Moon or Starship HLS | ~30 days | Lunar landing, begin moonbase construction | {{planned}} |}

=== Orion test flights === {{further|Orion (spacecraft)#Flights}}

The Pad Abort-1 test on May 6, 2010, demonstrated Orion's launch abort system, proving it could pull a crew module away from a rocket during a pad emergency.<ref name="Orion Reference Guide">{{Cite web |date=November 10, 2022 |title=Orion Reference Guide |url=https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/orion-reference-guide-111022.pdf |access-date=April 7, 2026 |website=NASA |pages=46–50}}</ref> The Ascent Abort-2 test on July 2, 2019, proved that the system could pull a crew module away during launch at the point of maximum aerodynamic pressure (max ''q'').<ref name="aa2-1">{{cite web|last=Sloss|first=Philip|date=May 24, 2019|title=NASA Orion AA-2 vehicle at the launch pad for July test|url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2019/05/nasa-orion-aa-2-vehicle-launch-pad-july-test/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190525025441/https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2019/05/nasa-orion-aa-2-vehicle-launch-pad-july-test/|archive-date=May 25, 2019 |access-date=May 25, 2019|publisher=NASASpaceFlight.com|quote=This will be the second and final planned LAS test following the Pad Abort-1 (PA-1) development test conducted in 2010 as a part of the canceled {{sic}} Constellation Program and the abort system design changed from PA-1 to AA-2 both inside and outside [...] in preparation for a scheduled daybreak test on July 2, 2010.}}</ref><ref name="aa2-2">{{cite web |url=https://phys.org/news/2018-08-image-orion-crew-capsule.html|title=Image: The Orion test crew capsule|date=August 3, 2018|publisher=Phys.org|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250918051931/https://phys.org/news/2018-08-image-orion-crew-capsule.html|archive-date= 2025-09-18|url-status=live|access-date=October 17, 2018|quote=In the Ascent Abort-2 test, NASA will verify that the Orion spacecraft's launch abort system can steer the capsule and astronauts inside it to safety in the event of an issue with the Space Launch System rocket when the spacecraft is under the highest aerodynamic loads it will experience during ascent...}}</ref><ref name="aa2-3">{{cite web|url=https://www.nasa.gov/image-feature/nasas-ascent-abort-2-flight-test-successfully-completed|title=NASA's Ascent Abort-2 Flight Test Successfully Completed|date=July 2, 2019|publisher=NASA|access-date=November 10, 2022}}</ref> For the second test, the boilerplate capsule launched on a custom Minotaur IV-derived rocket.<ref name="aa2-3" /><ref name="aa2-4">{{cite web |url=https://news.northropgrumman.com/news/releases/orbital-to-provide-abort-test-booster-for-nasa-testing|title=Orbital to Provide Abort Test Booster for NASA Testing|author=Orbital Sciences Corporation |date=April 11, 2007|publisher=Northrop Grumman|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190525030141/https://news.northropgrumman.com/news/releases/orbital-to-provide-abort-test-booster-for-nasa-testing |archive-date=May 25, 2019|url-status=live|access-date=May 25, 2019|quote=Orbital Sciences Corporation (NYSE:ORB) today announced that it has been selected [...] to design and build the next-generation NASA Orion Abort Test Booster (ATB).}}</ref>

In between, a prototype Orion crew module flew on Exploration Flight Test-1 on December 5, 2014<ref name="eft1-1">{{cite web |url=http://www.planetary.org/blogs/jason-davis/2014/20141205-orion-launches-on-test-flight.html |title=Orion Returns to Earth after Successful Test Flight |last=Davis |first=Jason |date=December 5, 2014 |publisher=The Planetary Society |access-date=May 25, 2019 |quote=NASA's Orion spacecraft returned safely to Earth this morning following a picture-perfect test mission. [...] Orion itself was originally part of NASA's now-defunct Constellation program, and is now a key component of the space agency's Mars plans. |archive-date=May 25, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190525024621/http://www.planetary.org/blogs/jason-davis/2014/20141205-orion-launches-on-test-flight.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="eft1-2">{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/science/2014/dec/05/nasa-orion-capsule-launch-successful-space-exploration |title=Orion spacecraft's flawless test flight puts Mars exploration one step closer |last1=Clark |first1=Stuart |last2=Sample |first2=Ian |date=December 5, 2014 |newspaper=The Guardian |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190525024632/https://www.theguardian.com/science/2014/dec/05/nasa-orion-capsule-launch-successful-space-exploration |archive-date=May 25, 2019 |url-status=live |access-date=May 25, 2019 |quote=The launch at 12.05 UTC aboard a Delta IV heavy rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida, was as free of problems as Thursday's aborted attempt was full of them. Immediately, Nasa tweeted "Liftoff! #Orion's flight test launches a critical step on our #JourneytoMars". |last3=Yuhas |first3=Alan}}</ref> atop a Delta IV Heavy rocket. Its reaction control system and other components were tested during two medium Earth orbits, reaching an apogee of {{cvt|5800|km}} and crossing the Van Allen radiation belts before making a high-energy re-entry at {{cvt|32000|kph}}.<ref name="eft1-3">{{cite web|url=https://www.space.com/27936-nasa-orion-spaceship-survives-test-flight.html|title=Splashdown! NASA's Orion Spaceship Survives Epic Test Flight as New Era Begins|last=Kramer|first=Miriam|date=December 5, 2014|publisher=Space.com|archive-url=https://archive.today/20181017122844/https://www.space.com/27936-nasa-orion-spaceship-survives-test-flight.html|archive-date=October 17, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=October 17, 2018|quote=Orion's key systems were put to the test during the flight, which launched atop a United Launch Alliance Delta 4 Heavy rocket [...] the craft hit Earth's atmosphere as the capsule was flying through space at about {{convert|20,000|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}.}}</ref><ref name="eft1-4">{{cite web |url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2014/12/04/orion-exploration-flight-test-no-1-timeline/ |title=Orion Exploration Flight Test No. 1 timeline |date=December 4, 2014 |publisher=Spaceflight Now |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141209190646/http://spaceflightnow.com/2014/12/04/orion-exploration-flight-test-no-1-timeline/ |archive-date=December 9, 2014 |url-status=live |access-date=October 17, 2018 |quote=The first orbital test flight of NASA's Orion crew capsule will lift off on top of a United Launch Alliance Delta 4 rocket from Cape Canaveral's Complex 37B launch pad. The rocket will send the unmanned crew module 3,600 miles above Earth...}}</ref>

=== Artemis I (2022) === {{further|Artemis I}} [[File:Orion off the coast of Baja California.jpg|thumb|Orion capsule shortly after splashdown in the Pacific Ocean on December 11, 2022.]]

Artemis I was originally scheduled for late 2016, and as delays accrued, eventually for late 2021, but the launch date was then pushed back to August 29, 2022.<ref name="sfn-20220426">{{cite web |last=Clark |first=Stephen |url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2022/04/26/nasas-moon-rocket-rolls-back-to-vehicle-assembly-building-for-repairs/ |title=NASA's moon rocket rolls back to Vehicle Assembly Building for repairs |work=Spaceflight Now |date=April 26, 2022 |access-date=April 26, 2022}}</ref> Various delays related to final infrastructure repairs and weather pushed the launch date further out.<ref name="NASA Blogs Sep32022 11:22 am">{{cite web |last1=Kraft |first1=Rachel |title=Artemis I Launch Attempt Scrubbed |url=https://blogs.nasa.gov/artemis/2022/09/03/artemis-i-launch-attempt-scrubbed/ |website=NASA blog |date=September 3, 2022 |publisher=NASA |access-date=September 3, 2022}}</ref>

In October 2022, NASA launch managers decided on a new launch date in November, which was again slightly delayed due to preparation and weather.<ref name="nasa-blog-20221012">{{cite web |url=https://blogs.nasa.gov/artemis/2022/10/12/nasa-sets-date-for-next-launch-attempt-for-artemis-i-moon-mission/ |title=NASA Sets Date for Next Launch Attempt for Artemis I Moon Mission |work=NASA |date=October 12, 2022 |access-date=October 13, 2022}}</ref><ref name="CNN Storm Nicole Report">{{Cite news|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2022/11/08/world/nasa-artemis-i-sls-hurricane-tropical-storm-nicole-scn/index.html|title=NASA's Artemis I mission delayed again as storm barrels toward launch site|date=November 8, 2022|access-date=November 9, 2022|first=Jackie|last=Wattles|publisher=Warner Bros Discovery|website=CNN}}</ref><ref name="nasa-20221108">{{cite web |url=https://blogs.nasa.gov/artemis/2022/11/08/nasa-prepares-rocket-spacecraft-ahead-of-tropical-storm-nicole-re-targets-launch/ |title=NASA Prepares Rocket, Spacecraft Ahead of Tropical Storm Nicole, Re-targets Launch |work=NASA |date=November 8, 2022 |access-date=November 9, 2022}}</ref> On November 16 at 01:47:44 EST (06:47:44 UTC), Artemis I successfully launched from the Kennedy Space Center.<ref name="NAT-20221116">{{cite journal |last=Witze |first=Alexandria |date=November 16, 2022 |title=Lift off! Artemis Moon rocket launch kicks off new era of human exploration – NASA's Artemis I has entered Earth orbit. It will test a rocket and capsule that could return astronauts to the Moon after 50 years. |journal=Nature |volume=611 |issue=7937 |pages=643–644 |doi=10.1038/d41586-022-02310-w |pmid=36385285 |s2cid=253579417 |doi-access=}}</ref>

Artemis I was completed at 09:40 PST (17:40 UTC) on December 11, when the Orion spacecraft splashed down in the Pacific Ocean, west of Baja California, after a record-breaking mission, which saw Artemis travel more than {{convert|1.4|e6mi|e6km|abbr=off|sp=us|order=flip}} on a path around the Moon before returning safely to Earth. The splashdown occurred 50 years to the day since NASA's Apollo 17 Moon landing, the last human crewed mission to touch down on the lunar surface.<ref>{{cite web |title=Splashdown! NASA's Orion Returns to Earth After Historic Moon Mission |url=https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/splashdown-nasa-s-orion-returns-to-earth-after-historic-moon-mission |website=www.nasa.gov.uk |date=December 11, 2022 |publisher=NASA |access-date=December 11, 2022}}</ref>

=== Artemis II (2026) === [[File:Artemis 2 Crew Portrait.jpg|thumb|Official crew portrait, clockwise from left: Koch, Glover, Hansen and Wiseman]] {{Excerpt|Artemis II|files=0}}Artemis II splashed down in the Pacific Ocean on April 11 at 00:07 UTC, concluding their nine-day trip around the Moon.

=== Artemis III (2027) === {{Excerpt|Artemis III}}

=== Artemis IV (early 2028) === {{Excerpt|Artemis IV|only=paragraphs}}

=== Artemis V (late 2028) === {{Excerpt|Artemis V|only=paragraphs}}

== Supporting programs == === Commercial Lunar Payload Services === {{Excerpt|Commercial Lunar Payload Services}}

=== Artemis Accords === {{Excerpt|Artemis Accords}}

=== Exploration Ground Systems (EGS) === {{Excerpt|Exploration Ground Systems}}

== Supporting Earth-launch vehicles == As of the early mission concepts outlined by NASA in May 2020 and refined by the HLS contract award in July 2021, the primary Earth-launch vehicles planned to support the Artemis program will include the NASA Space Launch System for the Orion vehicle, the Falcon Heavy for various components of the Lunar Gateway,<ref name="ars20191217">{{cite web|url=https://arstechnica.com/science/2019/05/nasa-picks-three-companies-to-attempt-moon-landings-in-2020-and-2021/|title=NASA picks three companies to attempt Moon landings in 2020 and 2021|last=Berger|first=Eric|date=May 31, 2019|publisher=Ars Technica|access-date=December 17, 2019|archive-date=February 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200215160900/https://arstechnica.com/science/2019/05/nasa-picks-three-companies-to-attempt-moon-landings-in-2020-and-2021/|url-status=live}}</ref> and the Starship HLS configuration for the eventual delivery of the HLS vehicle. Other standard SpaceX Starships may be used later to meet other and yet to be determined crew or cargo handling mission needs.<ref name=cnbc20200430/> Additional launch vehicles will also be employed later for CLPS cargo services. The European Ariane 6 has been proposed to be part of the program in July 2019.<ref name="aerospatium20190724">{{cite web|last=Barensky|first=Stefan|date=July 24, 2019|title=Airbus propose un remorqueur translunaire|work=Aerospatium |url=https://www.aerospatium.info/airbus-propose-un-remorqueur-translunaire/|access-date=January 10, 2020|language=fr-FR|archive-date=October 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191007110429/https://www.aerospatium.info/airbus-propose-un-remorqueur-translunaire/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Power and Propulsion Element (PPE) module and the Habitation and Logistics Outpost (HALO) of the Gateway, which were previously planned for the SLS Block 1B,<ref>{{cite web|last=Sloss|first=Philip|title=NASA updates Lunar Gateway plans|publisher=NASASpaceFlight.com |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2018/09/nasa-lunar-gateway-plans/|access-date=October 17, 2018|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260311123500/https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2018/09/nasa-lunar-gateway-plans/|archive-date=March 11, 2026|date=September 11, 2018}}</ref> will now fly together on a Falcon Heavy in 2027.<ref name="gao-20240731">{{cite web |url=https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-24-106878 |title=Artemis Programs: NASA Should Document and Communicate Plans to Address Gateway's Mass Risk |work=GAO |date=July 31, 2024 |access-date=July 31, 2024}}</ref><ref name="nasa-20210709">{{cite press release |url=https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-northrop-grumman-finalize-moon-outpost-living-quarters-contract |title=NASA, Northrop Grumman Finalize Moon Outpost Living Quarters Contract |work=NASA |date=July 9, 2021 |access-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709130129/http://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-northrop-grumman-finalize-moon-outpost-living-quarters-contract/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="nasa-20210209">{{cite press release |url=https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-awards-contract-to-launch-initial-elements-for-lunar-outpost |title=NASA Awards Contract to Launch Initial Elements for Lunar Outpost |work=NASA |date=February 9, 2021 |access-date=February 9, 2021 |archive-date=February 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210209213826/http://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-awards-contract-to-launch-initial-elements-for-lunar-outpost/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The Gateway will be supported and resupplied by approximately 28 commercial cargo missions launched by undetermined commercial launch vehicles.<ref name="Resupply GLS">{{cite web|last=Gebhardt|first=Chris|url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2019/06/nasa-commercial-lunar-gateway-resupply/|title=NASA determining the best course for commercial Lunar Gateway resupply|publisher=NASASpaceFlight.com|date=June 17, 2019|access-date=August 28, 2019}}</ref> The Gateway Logistics Services (GLS) will be in charge of resupply missions.<ref name="Resupply GLS"/> GLS has also contracted for the construction of a resupply vehicle, Dragon XL, capable of remaining docked to the Gateway for one year of operations, providing and generating its own power while docked, and capable of autonomous disposal at the end of its mission.<ref name="Resupply GLS"/><ref>{{Source-attribution|sentence=yes|{{cite press release|last=Aguiar|first=Laura|url=https://www.nasa.gov/feature/nasa-to-partner-with-american-industry-to-supply-artemis-moon-missions|title=NASA to Partner with American Industry to Supply Artemis Moon Missions|publisher=NASA|date=June 14, 2019|access-date=August 28, 2019|archive-date=August 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190821055652/https://www.nasa.gov/feature/nasa-to-partner-with-american-industry-to-supply-artemis-moon-missions/|url-status=live}} }}</ref><ref>{{Source-attribution|sentence=yes|{{cite web|url=http://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-awards-artemis-contract-for-gateway-logistics-services|title=NASA Awards Artemis Contract for Gateway Logistics Services|last=Potter|first=Sean|date=March 27, 2020|website=NASA|access-date=March 28, 2020|archive-date=March 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200327195418/https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-awards-artemis-contract-for-gateway-logistics-services|url-status=live}} }}</ref>

In May 2019, the plan was for components of a crewed lunar lander to be deployed to the Gateway on commercial launchers before the arrival of the first crewed mission, Artemis III.<ref name="a3-1">{{cite web|last=Weitering|first=Hanneke|url=https://www.space.com/nasa-moon-missions-before-2024.html|title=NASA Has a Full Plate of Lunar Missions Before Astronauts Can Return to Moon|publisher=Space.com|date=May 23, 2019|access-date=August 28, 2019|quote=And before NASA sends astronauts to the moon in 2024, the agency will first have to launch five aspects of the Gateway, all of which will be commercial vehicles that launch separately and join each other in lunar orbit. First, a power and propulsion element will launch in 2022. Then, the crew module will launch (without a crew) in 2023. In 2024, during the months leading up to the crewed landing, NASA will launch the last critical components: a transfer vehicle that will ferry landers from the Gateway to a lower lunar orbit, a descent module that will bring the astronauts to the lunar surface, and an ascent module that will bring them back up to the transfer vehicle, which will then return them to the Gateway.|archive-date=May 25, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190525032714/https://www.space.com/nasa-moon-missions-before-2024.html|url-status=live}}</ref> An alternative approach where the HLS and Orion dock together directly was discussed.<ref>{{cite web |last=Smith |first=Marcia |url=https://spacepolicyonline.com/news/nelson-watch-the-chinese/ |title=Nelson: "Watch the Chinese" |work=SpacePolicyOnline.com |date=May 26, 2021 |access-date=May 26, 2021 |archive-date=May 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526042546/https://spacepolicyonline.com/news/nelson-watch-the-chinese/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="SFN300420">{{cite web |date=April 30, 2020 |title=Blue Origin wins lion's share of NASA funding for human-rated lunar lander |url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2020/04/30/blue-origin-wins-lions-share-of-nasa-funding-for-human-rated-lunar-lander/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200501111208/https://spaceflightnow.com/2020/04/30/blue-origin-wins-lions-share-of-nasa-funding-for-human-rated-lunar-lander/ |archive-date=May 1, 2020 |access-date=April 30, 2020 |website=spaceflightnow.com |publisher=Spaceflight Now}}</ref>

As late as mid-2019, NASA considered use of Delta IV Heavy and Falcon Heavy to launch a crewed Orion mission given SLS delays.<ref>{{cite news|first=Jeff |last=Foust|title=NASA considering flying Orion on commercial launch vehicles|url=https://spacenews.com/nasa-considering-flying-orion-on-commercial-launch-vehicles/|date=March 13, 2019|access-date=November 11, 2022|publisher=Space News}}</ref> Given the complexity of conversion to a different vehicle, the agency ultimately decided to use only the SLS to launch astronauts.<ref name=verge20190718>{{cite web|last=Grush|first=Loren|url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/7/18/18629403/nasa-artemis-moon-program-funds-hardware-apollo-11-anniversary|title=NASA's daunting to-do list for sending people back to the Moon|publisher=The Verge|date=July 18, 2019|access-date=August 28, 2019|archive-date=December 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191207085513/https://www.theverge.com/2019/7/18/18629403/nasa-artemis-moon-program-funds-hardware-apollo-11-anniversary|url-status=live}}</ref> {| class="wikitable sortable" |+Launch vehicles ! scope=col rowspan=2 |Launch<br />vehicle ! scope=col rowspan=2 |Missions ! scope=col colspan=2 |Payload ! scope=col rowspan=2 |Estimated cost<br />per launch ! scope=col rowspan=2 |First launch |- ! LEO (Low Earth Orbit) ! TLI (Trans-Lunar Injection) |- | Space Launch System | Crew transportation | 95 t | 27 t | data-sort-value="US$2000 million"|US$2 billion | November 16, 2022<ref name="nasa-20221108"/> |- | Starship | Starship HLS | 200 t<ref>{{Cite web |last=Berger |first=Eric |date=April 8, 2024 |title=Elon Musk just gave another Mars speech—this time the vision seems tangible |url=https://arstechnica.com/space/2024/04/elon-musk-just-gave-another-mars-speech-this-time-the-vision-seems-tangible/ |access-date=December 31, 2024 |website=Ars Technica |language=en-US}}</ref> | 200 t{{efn|group=LVtable|requires refueling in LEO}} | US$2 million (goal)<ref name="sdc20191106">{{Cite news |last=Wall |first=Mike |date=November 19, 2019 |title=SpaceX's Starship May Fly for Just $2 Million Per Mission, Elon Musk Says |publisher=Space.com |url=https://www.space.com/spacex-starship-flight-passenger-cost-elon-musk.html |url-status=live |access-date=June 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200717231526/https://www.space.com/spacex-starship-flight-passenger-cost-elon-musk.html |archive-date=July 17, 2020}}</ref>{{efn|group=LVtable|Per launch. May require refueling launches}} | April 20, 2023<ref name="FoustLiftOff">{{cite web |last=Foust |first=Jeff |date=April 20, 2023 |title=Starship lifts off on first integrated test flight, breaks apart minutes later |url=https://spacenews.com/starship-lifts-off-on-first-integrated-test-flight-breaks-apart-minutes-later/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231119080816/https://spacenews.com/starship-lifts-off-on-first-integrated-test-flight-breaks-apart-minutes-later/ |archive-date=November 19, 2023 |access-date=April 26, 2023 |work=SpaceNews}}</ref> |- | New Glenn | Blue Moon | 45 t | 7 t | $68 million | January 16, 2025<ref>{{Cite web |title=Blue Origin launches New Glenn rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida |url=https://www.floridatoday.com/picture-gallery/tech/science/space/2025/01/16/blue-origin-launches-first-new-glenn-rocket-from-cape-canaveral-space-force-station-in-florida/77718136007/ |access-date=January 16, 2025 |website=Florida Today |language=en-US}}</ref> |}

=== Space Launch System === [[File:Artemis II launch (SLS MAF 20260401 ArtemisIILaunch 02) crop.jpg|thumb|SLS Block 1 at Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39B for Artemis II.]] {{Excerpt|Space Launch System|files=0}}

===SpaceX Starship=== {{main|SpaceX Starship}}

The SpaceX Starship system is a fully-reusable super heavy-lift Earth-launch system which is under development. It consists of a first-stage booster named Super-Heavy and a second-stage space vehicle which is generally named Starship and which will have several variants. A Starship HLS mission will use three variants: a tanker, a propellant depot, and the Starship HLS itself which will be designed only for lunar landings and takeoffs, and not for Earth landings. Some variants will be able to return to Earth for reuse.

The second-stage Starships are fully self-contained spacecraft, complete with their own propulsion systems. The combined Starship system using standard Starship variants for its second-stage is planned to launch crews and cargo, which may then be used to support the various developmental needs of the Artemis program, and also to support the needs of other NASA and SpaceX programs.

The SpaceX Starship is also qualified to be bid for Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) launches, and in 2021 was the winning NASA bid for a crewed lunar landing.<ref name="spacex_hls">[https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/as-artemis-moves-forward-nasa-picks-spacex-to-land-next-americans-on-moon As Artemis Moves Forward, NASA Picks SpaceX to Land Next Americans on Moon] NASA. April 16, 2021. By Monica Witt. Retrieved April 16, 2023.</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=SpaceX |url=http://www.spacex.com/ |access-date=December 12, 2022 |website=SpaceX |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=March 2020 |title=Starship Users Guide V1.0 |url=https://www.spacex.com/media/starship_users_guide_v1.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221118040655/https://www.spacex.com/media/starship_users_guide_v1.pdf |archive-date=November 18, 2022 |website=SpaceX}}</ref>

== Space vehicles ==

=== Orion === {{Main|Orion (spacecraft)}}

thumb|NASA's Orion spacecraft undergoing final tests Orion is a class of partially reusable spacecraft to be used in the Artemis program. The spacecraft consists of a Crew Module (CM) space capsule designed by Lockheed Martin and the European Service Module (ESM) manufactured by Airbus Defence and Space. Capable of supporting a crew of six beyond low Earth orbit, Orion is equipped with solar panels, an automated docking system, and glass cockpit interfaces modeled after those used in the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. It has a single AJ10 engine for primary propulsion, and others including reaction control system engines. Although designed to be compatible with other launch vehicles, Orion is primarily intended to launch atop a Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, with a tower launch escape system.

Orion was originally conceived by Lockheed Martin as a proposal for the Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV) to be used in NASA's Constellation program. Following the cancellation of the Constellation program in 2010, Orion was heavily redesigned for use in NASA's Journey to Mars initiative; later named Moon to Mars. The SLS replaced the Ares I as Orion's primary launch vehicle, and the service module was replaced with a design based on the European Space Agency's Automated Transfer Vehicle. A development version of Orion's CM was launched in 2014 during Exploration Flight Test-1, while at least four test articles were produced. By 2022, three flight-worthy Orion crew modules have been built, with an additional one ordered, for use in the Artemis program; the first of these was due to be launched on November 30, 2020, however, Artemis I did not launch until November 16, 2022. <!-- === Human Landing System (HLS)=== {{Excerpt|Human Landing System}} removed due to WP:NFCC violation -->

=== Lunar Gateway (cancelled) === thumb|Rendering of the assembled Lunar Gateway, 2024 design

thumb|Gateway design architecture in 2024{{Excerpt|Lunar Gateway}}

== Planned surface operations == thumb|An artist's rendition of an Artemis astronaut wearing the xEMU spacesuit and xPLS life support backpack during an EVA on the Moon The Artemis Base Camp will support missions of up to two months and will be used to study technologies to use on future Moon or Mars bases, and then future stationary modules may be used regularly for decades to come through both Government and commercial programs. It will consist of three main modules:

# The Surface Habitat (SH) modules, which is the initial dwelling structure and a surface home base for the first residents of the Moon. # The Lunar Terrain Vehicle (LTV), which is an unpressurized rover cart for transporting suited astronauts and cargo around in the vicinity of the Base. # The Pressurized Rovers (PR), a pressurized vehicle complete with small backup habitation facilities, thus enabling multi-day and longer-range explorations tens of kilometers away from the Base.<ref name="artemis_base_camp">Paul Kessler (August 2022). [https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20220000245/downloads/Artemis%20Deep%20Space%20Habitation%20Enabling%20a%20Sustained%20Human%20Presence%20on%20the%20Moon%20and%20Beyond%20(3).pdf "Artemis Deep Space Habitation: Enabling a Sustained Human Presence on the Moon and Beyond"]. NASA. Retrieved April 18, 2023.</ref>

=== Transportation on the Moon === ==== Landing zone ==== In 2022, NASA identified 13 candidate regions near the lunar South Pole for initial landing and inspection missions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NASA Identifies Candidate Regions for Landing Next Americans on Moon|access-date=May 21, 2024 |website=The National Aeronautics and Space Administration| url=https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-identifies-candidate-regions-for-landing-next-americans-on-moon/ |language=en-US}}</ref>

==== Ground transportation development ==== {{Main|Lunar Terrain Vehicle}}

thumb|NASA's baseline Lunar Terrain Vehicle In February 2020, NASA released two requests for information regarding both a crewed and uncrewed unpressurized surface rover. The latter, Lunar Terrain Vehicle (LTV) would be prepositioned by a CLPS vehicle before the Artemis III mission. It would be used to transport crews around the exploration site and serve a similar function to the Apollo Lunar Roving Vehicle. In July 2020, NASA established a program office for the rover at the Johnson Space Center in Houston.<ref name=":2" />

NASA has specified its need for a Lunar Terrain Vehicle (LTV) that has a cargo capacity of 800&nbsp;kg, traversal distances of up to 20&nbsp;km without battery recharging, continuous operations for 8 hours within a 24-hour period, the ability to survive the lunar night, and the ability to traverse grades as steep as ±20&nbsp;degrees.<ref name="artemis_base_camp"/>

On April 3, 2024, NASA announced that Intuitive Machines, Lunar Outpost and Venturi Astrolab are the three companies developing the LTV in a 12-month feasibility and demo phase.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NASA Selects Companies to Advance Moon Mobility for Artemis Missions |publisher=NASA |url=https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-selects-companies-to-advance-moon-mobility-for-artemis-missions/ |access-date=April 3, 2024 |language=en-US}}</ref> A source selection statement by NASA provided further details on cost and overall feasibility on April 9, 2024. The Intuitive Machines proposal was for $1.692 billion, Lunar Outpost for $1.727 billion and Astrolab for $1.928 billion to develop the vehicle.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Foust |first=Jeff |date=April 15, 2024 |title=NASA document outlines selection of lunar rover companies |url=https://spacenews.com/nasa-document-outlines-selection-of-lunar-rover-companies/ |access-date=April 15, 2024 |website=SpaceNews |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Shelter building construction === {{See also|NASA lunar outpost concepts|Moonbase}} thumb|Artist's impression of Artemis Base Camp

The Artemis Base Camp is the proposed lunar base to be established at the end of the 2020s. The Base camp is to be in the south pole region near the two adjacent Shackleton and de Gerlache craters,<ref>{{Cite web |last=David |first=Leonard |date=July 1, 2022 |title=Where will NASA set up its moon base? |url=https://www.space.com/nasa-artemis-moon-base-camp-location |access-date=May 12, 2024 |website=Space.com |language=en}}</ref> due to this area's wide variety of lunar geography and also due to the abundance of water ice that is believed to exist in the lunar soils of the crater floors. The environs of these craters fall under the guidelines of the Outer Space Treaty.<ref name=":2">{{cite report |url=https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/a_sustained_lunar_presence_nspc_report4220final.pdf |title=Artemis Program – NASA's Plan for Sustained Lunar Exploration and Development |date= |publisher=NASA |access-date=November 10, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=September 2020 |title=Artemis Plan – NASA's Lunar Exploration Program Overview |url=https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/artemis_plan-20200921.pdf |access-date=November 10, 2022 |publisher=NASA}}</ref>

==== Foundational Surface Habitat ==== {{Update|section|date=April 2026}} thumb|A render of the Foundational Surface Habitat (stationary configuration)

Most of the information about the Surface Habitat (SH) modules comes from studies and launch manifests which include a reference to its launch. It will be commercially built and commercially launched in the early 2030s along with the Pressurized Vehicle (PV).<ref name=":1">{{cite web|url=https://www.space.com/nasa-artemis-moon-landing-timeline-2021-budget.html|title=NASA has a plan for yearly Artemis moon flights through 2030. The first one could fly in 2021.|last=Weitering|first=Hanneke|date=February 12, 2020|website=Space.com|access-date=February 20, 2020|archive-date=February 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200228101633/https://www.space.com/nasa-artemis-moon-landing-timeline-2021-budget.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The SH was formerly referred to as the Artemis Surface Asset. Launch plans {{as of|2020|02|lc=on}} showed that landing it on the surface would be similar to the HLS. The SH would be sent to the Gateway where it would then be attached to a descent stage and subsequently transported to the lunar surface with a commercial launcher and lander. It would use the same lunar transfer stage as used for the HLS. Other designs from 2019 envisioned it being launched from an SLS Block 1B as a single unit and landing directly on the surface. It would then be hooked up to a surface power system launched by a CLPS mission and tested by the Artemis VI crew.<ref name=":2"/><ref name="ars-lunar-outpost">{{cite web|title=NASA's full Artemis plan revealed: 37 launches and a lunar outpost|url=https://arstechnica.com/science/2019/05/nasas-full-artemis-plan-revealed-37-launches-and-a-lunar-outpost/|last=Berger|first=Eric|date=May 20, 2020|website=Ars Technica|access-date=May 24, 2020|archive-date=May 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190523032200/https://arstechnica.com/science/2019/05/nasas-full-artemis-plan-revealed-37-launches-and-a-lunar-outpost/|url-status=live}}</ref> The Italian Space Agency signed a contract with Thales Alenia Space in late 2023 for the Multi Purpose Habitation module, which may become the second module for the Artemis Base Camp.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 13, 2024 |title=Living on the Moon: Inside Artemis' Foundation Habitat |url=https://www.americaspace.com/2024/01/13/living-on-the-moon-inside-artemis-foundation-habitat/ |access-date=June 16, 2024 |website=AmericaSpace |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Nardi |first=Tom |date=December 4, 2023 |title=Italy Proposes Minimalist Lunar Outpost For Artemis |url=https://hackaday.com/2023/12/04/italy-proposes-minimalist-lunar-outpost-for-artemis/ |access-date=June 16, 2024 |website=Hackaday |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Resource prospecting and research programs === As of February 2020, a lunar stay during a Phase 1 Artemis mission will be about seven days and will have five extravehicular activities (EVA). A ''notional'' concept of operations, i.e., a hypothetical but possible plan, would include the following: On Day 1 of the stay, astronauts touchdown on the Moon but do not conduct an EVA. Instead, they prepare for the EVA scheduled for the next day, in what is referred to as "The Road to EVA".<ref name="ntrs.nasa.gov">{{Source-attribution|sentence=yes|{{cite web|url=https://ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/casi.ntrs.nasa.gov/20200001071|title=Exploration EVA System Concept of Operations Summary for Artemis Phase 1 Lunar Surface Mission|publisher=NASA Technical Report Server|website=ntrs.nasa.gov|access-date=April 18, 2020|archive-date=April 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428040547/https://ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/casi.ntrs.nasa.gov/20200001071|url-status=live}}}}</ref>

On Day 2, the astronauts open the hatch on the Human Landing System and embark on EVA 1, which will be six hours long. It will include collecting a contingency sample, conducting public affairs activities, deploying the experiment package, and acquiring samples. The astronauts will stay close to the landing site on this first EVA. EVA 2 begins on day 3. The astronauts characterize and collect samples from permanently shadowed regions. Unlike the previous EVA, the astronauts will go farther from the landing site, up to {{convert|2|km|mi}}, and up and down slopes of 20°.<ref name="ntrs.nasa.gov"/>

Day 4 will not include an EVA, but Day 5 will. EVA 3 may include activities such as collecting samples from an ejecta blanket. Day 6 will have the two astronauts deploy a geotechnical instrument alongside an environmental monitoring station for in-situ resource utilization (ISRU). Day 7 will have the final and shortest EVA. This EVA will last one hour, rather than the others' six hours in duration from egress to ingress, and mostly comprises preparations for the lunar ascent, including jettisoning hardware. Once the final EVA is concluded, the astronauts will return to the Human Landing System and the vehicle will launch from the surface and join up with Orion/Gateway.<ref name="ntrs.nasa.gov"/>

==== Pressurized rover ("Mobile Habitat") ==== {{Main|Lunar Cruiser}}

[[File:NASA Habitable Mobility Platform.png|thumb|NASA Habitable Mobility Platform based on the past Constellation Space Exploration Vehicle]] The Pressurized Rover (PR) is a large, pressurized module used to enable crewed operation across large distances and live for multiple days. NASA had developed multiple pressurized rovers including what was formerly called the Space Exploration Vehicle (SEV). This rover was built for the Constellation program and was fabricated and then tested. In the 2020 flight manifest it was later referred to as the "Mobile Habitat" suggesting it could fill a similar role to the ILREC Lunar Bus. It would be ready for the crew to use on the surface but could also be autonomously controlled from the Gateway or other locations.

In regard to the PR, senior-lunar-scientist Clive Neal said "Under Constellation, NASA had a sophisticated rover put together. It's pretty sad if it's never going to get to the Moon". However Neal also said that he understands the different mission objectives between the Constellation Program and those of the Artemis Program, and the need of the Artemis Program to focus more on international collaboration.<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://spacenews.com/nasa-to-seek-ideas-for-an-artemis-lunar-rover/|title=NASA to seek ideas for an Artemis lunar rover|date=November 20, 2019|website=SpaceNews|access-date=June 26, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Source-attribution|sentence=yes|{{cite web|url=https://www.nasa.gov/exploration/analogs/desert_rats_2008.html|title=Three Days in the Desert Tests Lunar 'RV'|website=Nasa.gov|access-date=January 24, 2020|archive-date=July 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726095741/https://www.nasa.gov/exploration/analogs/desert_rats_2008.html|url-status=live}} }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Berger|first=Eric|date=July 15, 2020|title=NASA's first lunar habitat may be an RV-like rover built by Toyota|url=https://arstechnica.com/science/2020/07/nasas-first-lunar-habitat-may-be-an-rv-like-rover-built-by-toyota/|work=Ars Technica|access-date=July 16, 2020|archive-date=July 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200715235428/https://arstechnica.com/science/2020/07/nasas-first-lunar-habitat-may-be-an-rv-like-rover-built-by-toyota/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Bullard|first=Benjamin|date=July 15, 2020|title=NASA eyes closed-cabin rover 'like an RV for the Moon' in first step toward long-term lunar presence|website=Syfy|url=https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/nasa-artemis-lunar-rover-like-rv-for-the-moon|access-date=July 16, 2020|archive-date=August 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200812034652/https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/nasa-artemis-lunar-rover-like-rv-for-the-moon|url-status=live}}</ref>

On April 9, 2024, it was announced that JAXA and NASA had signed an agreement stipulating that Japan would join the pressurized rover collaboration venture and would design, develop, and operate a rover for crewed and uncrewed exploration of the Moon. In return, NASA will provide the launch and delivery of the rover to the Moon, as well as providing seats for two Japanese astronaut missions to the lunar surface, with the goal of these astronauts being the first non-Americans to travel to the Moon's surface. The pressurized rover is planned to accommodate two astronauts for up to 30 days outside. NASA plans to use the pressurized rover from Artemis VII and subsequent missions, over an approximate 10 year lifespan.<ref>{{Cite press release|url=https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-japan-advance-space-cooperation-sign-agreement-for-lunar-rover/|title=NASA, Japan Advance Space Cooperation, Sign Agreement for Lunar Rover |publisher=NASA}}</ref>

== Spacesuits == {{Multiple image | total_width = 300 | image1 = Christina Koch in the Orion Crew Survival System suit (cropped).jpg | caption1 = Christina Koch in the OCSS (Orion Crew Survival System) | image2 = Jenni Gibbons tests AxEMU.jpg | caption2 = Jenni Gibbons tests the AxEMU (Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit) }}

The Artemis program uses two types of space suit first unveiled in October 2019: the Orion Crew Survival System (OCSS) for launch and entry,<ref name="OCSS">{{cite web|url=http://www.nasa.gov/feature/orion-suit-equipped-to-expect-the-unexpected-on-artemis-missions|title=Orion Suit Equipped to Expect the Unexpected on Artemis Missions|last=Crane|first=Aimee|date=October 15, 2019|publisher=NASA|access-date=October 24, 2019|archive-date=October 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191019055454/https://www.nasa.gov/feature/orion-suit-equipped-to-expect-the-unexpected-on-artemis-missions/|url-status=live}}</ref> and a next-generation extravehicular mobility unit (EMU) for lunar surface operations.<ref name="xEMU">{{cite web|url=http://www.nasa.gov/feature/a-next-generation-spacesuit-for-the-artemis-generation-of-astronauts|title=A Next Generation Spacesuit for the Artemis Generation of Astronauts|last=Mahoney|first=Erin|date=October 4, 2019|publisher=NASA|access-date=October 24, 2019|archive-date=October 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191019231635/https://www.nasa.gov/feature/a-next-generation-spacesuit-for-the-artemis-generation-of-astronauts/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The OCSS, developed by the David Clark Company, functions as a contingency safety system for the Orion spacecraft, providing pressurized life support for up to 144 hours in the event of cabin depressurization.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 15, 2019 |title=Orion Suit Equipped to Expect the Unexpected on Artemis Missions - NASA |url=https://www.nasa.gov/missions/artemis/orion-suit-equipped-to-expect-the-unexpected-on-artemis-missions/ |access-date=April 9, 2026 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Jacobs |first=Shane |last2=Green |first2=Daniel |last3=Deane |first3=Nicholas |last4=Tufts |first4=Donald |date=July 2024 |title=Orion Crew Survival System Suit (OCSS) Development Update |url=https://ttu-ir.tdl.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/ca595d4b-acce-4a07-8954-9c6864f34b62/ |journal=International Conference on Environmental Systems |via=Texas Tech University Library}}</ref> The suits are primarily colored international orange, a high-visibility shade used to aid recovery operations by improving visibility against ocean and sky backgrounds. Each suit is custom-fitted and incorporates flotation devices for post-splashdown survival.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Friedman |first=Vanessa |author-link=Vanessa Friedman |date=March 31, 2026 |title=Why the Artemis II Astronauts Will Be Wearing Orange |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/31/style/artemis-ii-spacesuits-orange-astronauts.html |access-date=April 10, 2026 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>

Development of NASA's Exploration Extravehicular Mobility Unit (xEMU) encountered delays; a 2021 audit by the NASA Office of Inspector General found it would not be ready before 2025.<ref name="suitdelay">{{cite web |url=https://oig.nasa.gov/docs/IG-21-025.pdf |title=NASA's development of next-generation spacesuits |date=August 10, 2021 |quote=... the suits would not be ready for flight until April 2025 at the earliest ... a lunar landing in late 2024 as NASA currently plans is not feasible. |access-date=August 10, 2021 |archive-date=August 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210810150000/https://oig.nasa.gov/docs/IG-21-025.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> In response, NASA shifted to a commercial services model and selected Axiom Space and Collins Aerospace in 2022 to develop lunar spacesuits.<ref>{{Cite web |author1=Howell |first=Elizabeth |date=June 1, 2022 |title=NASA just picked these 2 companies to build next-gen spacesuits for the moon, space station |url=https://www.space.com/nasa-selects-companies-build-spacesuits-moon-space-station |website=Space.com}}</ref> Collins later withdrew from the contract in 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Foust |first=Jeff |date=June 26, 2024 |title=Collins Aerospace pulls back from NASA spacesuit contract |url=https://spacenews.com/collins-aerospace-pulls-back-from-nasa-spacesuit-contract/ |access-date=March 4, 2026 |website=SpaceNews |language=en-US}}</ref>

Development has since focused on the Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU), which entered critical design review and testing in 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Howell |first=Elizabeth |date=January 23, 2024 |title=Artemis moon spacesuits prepped for tests ahead of delayed 2026 lunar landing |url=https://www.space.com/artemis-moon-spacesuit-axiom-space-milestone-aim |access-date=May 2, 2024 |website=Space.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Boyer |first=Charles |date=April 29, 2024 |title=Axiom Space Tests Lunar EVA Suit At Neutral Buoyancy Lab In Houston |url=https://talkoftitusville.com/2024/04/29/axiom-space-tests-lunar-eva-suit-at-neutral-buoyancy-lab-in-houston/ |access-date=May 2, 2024 |website=Talk of Titusville |language=en-US}}</ref> By February 2026, the suit had passed internal reviews and was undergoing further evaluation by NASA, with assembly of the first flight unit underway following pressurized and underwater mobility testing at the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory.<ref>{{Cite web |first=Victoria |last=Ugalde |date=February 12, 2026 |title=NASA Moon Mission Spacesuit Nears Milestone |publisher=NASA |url=https://www.nasa.gov/humans-in-space/nasa-moon-mission-spacesuit-nears-milestone/ |access-date=March 4, 2026 |language=en-US}}</ref> In April 2026, Axiom confirmed that it was working towards an in-orbit test of the AxEMU in 2027, but said that the company and NASA had not yet decided if those tests will happen on the Artemis III flight or on the International Space Station.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Foust |first=Jeff |date=April 14, 2026 |title=Axiom Space plans 2027 flight test of spacesuit |url=https://spacenews.com/axiom-space-plans-2027-flight-test-of-spacesuit/ |access-date=April 17, 2026 |work=SpaceNews}}</ref>

== Criticism == The Artemis program has received criticism from several space professionals. Mark Whittington, who is a contributor to ''The Hill'' and an author of several space exploration studies, stated in an article that the "lunar orbit project doesn't help us get back to the Moon".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Whittington |first1=Mark |date=June 16, 2018 |title=NASA's unnecessary US$504 million lunar orbit project doesn't help us get back to the Moon |url=https://thehill.com/opinion/technology/392611-nasas-unnecessary-504-million-lunar-orbit-project-doesnt-help-us-get-back |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191114223317/https://thehill.com/opinion/technology/392611-nasas-unnecessary-504-million-lunar-orbit-project-doesnt-help-us-get-back |archive-date=November 14, 2019 |access-date=December 20, 2018 |website=The Hill}}</ref>

Aerospace engineer, author, and Mars Society founder Robert Zubrin disliked the Lunar Gateway component of Artemis prior to its cancellation. He presented an alternative approach to a 2024 crewed lander called "Moon Direct", a proposed successor to his Mars Direct. Zubrin envisions phasing out the SLS and Orion, replacing them with the SpaceX launch vehicles and the SpaceX Dragon 2. This would see ferry-lander refueling on the lunar surface via in situ resource utilization with crew transfer from LEO to the lunar surface. The concept resembles NASA's own Space Transportation System proposal from the 1970s.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 28, 2021 |title=Moon Direct |work=The New Atlantis |url=https://www.thenewatlantis.com/publications/moon-direct |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428040537/https://www.thenewatlantis.com/publications/moon-direct |archive-date=April 28, 2021 |access-date=June 26, 2022}}</ref>

At least 15 launches will be required to refuel HLS in orbit per crewed mission.<ref>{{Cite web |title=At Least 15 Starship Launches Needed to Execute Artemis III Lunar Landing |website=SpacePolicyOnline.com |url=https://spacepolicyonline.com/news/at-least-15-starship-launches-to-execute-artemis-iii-lunar-landing/ |access-date=December 30, 2023 |language=en-US}}</ref> In 2024, SpaceX's Jennifer Jensen stated on a call that Starship HLS will require ten launches.<ref>{{Cite tweet |number=1744807740021633382 |user=jeff_foust |title=Best part of the just-completed briefing: question about how many refueling launches will be needed for Starship HLS missions. NASA and SpaceX give a long answer without a number. Bill Nelson steps in, asks for that number. ['Ten-ish' says SpaceX's Jensen.] |first=Jeff |last=Foust |date=January 9, 2024 |access-date=January 10, 2024}}</ref> Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin disagrees with NASA's lunar outpost plan. He questioned the benefit of NASA to "send a crew to an intermediate point in space, pick up a lander there and go down." Aldrin has expressed support for Zubrin's "Moon Direct".<ref name="spacenews_lunar-exploration-plans">{{cite news|last1=Foust|first1=Jeff|title=Advisory group skeptical of NASA lunar exploration plans|url=https://spacenews.com/advisory-group-skeptical-of-nasa-lunar-exploration-plans/|website=SpaceNews|date=November 16, 2018|access-date=December 20, 2018}}</ref>

== See also == {{Portal|Spaceflight|Solar System|United States|European Union|Canada|South Korea|Japan|United Kingdom|France|Germany|Italy|Israel|United Arab Emirates}} <!-- Please keep entries in alphabetical order & add a short description WP:SEEALSO --> {{div col|colwidth=20em|small=no}} * {{annotated link|Apollo program}} * Chandrayaan programme – Indian Lunar Exploration Program (includes future crewed mission to the Moon) * Chinese Lunar Exploration Program – Chinese crewed lunar program with international partners e.g. Russia * {{annotated link|Colonization of the Moon}} * {{annotated link|Commercial Crew Development}} * Coordinated Lunar Time * {{annotated link|Deep Space Transport}} * First Lunar Outpost – Crewed lunar program proposal from the SEI * {{annotated link|International Lunar Research Station}} * {{annotated link|International Lunar Resources Exploration Concept}} * List of Artemis astronauts * {{annotated link|List of crewed spacecraft}} * List of missions to the Moon * NASA Astronaut Group 23 * New Space Race * {{annotated link|Space policy of the United States}} {{div col end}} <!-- please keep entries in alphabetical order -->

==Notes== {{Notelist-lr|group=main}} <!-- use lower roman because the "group parameter does not work as advertized-->{{notelist|group=LVtable}}

== References == {{Reflist|refs= <ref name="cnbc20200430">{{cite web|last=Sheetz|first=Michael|title=NASA awards contracts to Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk to land astronauts on the Moon|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2020/04/30/nasa-selects-hls-lunar-lander-teams-blue-origin-spacex-dynetics.html|date=April 30, 2020|website=cnbc.com|access-date=April 30, 2020|archive-date=April 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200430230903/https://www.cnbc.com/2020/04/30/nasa-selects-hls-lunar-lander-teams-blue-origin-spacex-dynetics.html|url-status=live}}</ref> <ref name=ars20210416>{{Cite news |title=NASA selects SpaceX as its sole provider for a lunar lander - "We looked at what's the best value to the government." |url=https://arstechnica.com/science/2021/04/nasa-selects-spacex-as-its-sole-provider-for-a-lunar-lander/ |last=Berger |first=Eric |work=Ars Technica |date=April 16, 2021 |access-date=April 17, 2021 |archive-date=April 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417003215/https://arstechnica.com/science/2021/04/nasa-selects-spacex-as-its-sole-provider-for-a-lunar-lander/ |url-status=live }}</ref> <ref name=sn20210426>{{cite news |url=https://spacenews.com/blue-origin-protests-nasa-human-landing-system-award/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20211020191705/https://spacenews.com/blue-origin-protests-nasa-human-landing-system-award/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 20, 2021 |title=Blue Origin protests NASA Human Landing System award |work=SpaceNews |date=April 26, 2021 |access-date=April 28, 2021 }}</ref> <ref name=sn20210427>{{cite news |url=https://spacenews.com/dynetics-protests-nasa-hls-award/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20211020191703/https://spacenews.com/dynetics-protests-nasa-hls-award/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 20, 2021 |title=Dynetics protests NASA HLS award |work=SpaceNews |date=April 27, 2021 |access-date=April 28, 2021 }}</ref> <ref name=sn20210730>{{cite news |title=GAO denies Blue Origin and Dynetics protests of NASA lunar lander contract |url=https://spacenews.com/gao-denies-blue-origin-and-dynetics-protests-of-nasa-lunar-lander-contract/ |last=Foust |first=Jeff |work=SpaceNews |date=July 30, 2021 |access-date=August 2, 2021 }}</ref> <ref name=verge20210816>{{cite news |title=Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin sues NASA, escalating its fight for a Moon lander contract |url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/8/16/22623022/jeff-bezos-blue-origin-sue-nasa-lawsuit-hls-lunar-lander |work=The Verge |date=August 16, 2021 |access-date=August 16, 2021 |quote=protest prevented SpaceX from starting its contract for 95 days while the GAO adjudicated the case. |archive-date=August 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210816145930/https://www.theverge.com/2021/8/16/22623022/jeff-bezos-blue-origin-sue-nasa-lawsuit-hls-lunar-lander |url-status=live }}</ref> <ref name=cnbc20210816>{{cite news |last=Sheetz |first=Michael |title=Bezos' Blue Origin takes NASA to federal court over award of lunar lander contract to SpaceX |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2021/08/16/jeff-bezos-blue-origin-takes-nasa-to-federal-court-over-hls-contract.html |work=CNBC |date=August 16, 2021 |access-date=August 16, 2021 |archive-date=August 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210816150200/https://www.cnbc.com/2021/08/16/jeff-bezos-blue-origin-takes-nasa-to-federal-court-over-hls-contract.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=nsf20200501>{{cite news |title=NASA Selects Blue Origin, Dynetics, and SpaceX Human Landers for Artemis |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2020/04/nasa-blue-origin-dynetics-spacex-hls-artemis/ |last=Burghardt|first=Thomas |date=May 1, 2020 |publisher=NASASpaceFlight.com |access-date=June 12, 2020 |archive-date=May 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200515175509/https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2020/04/nasa-blue-origin-dynetics-spacex-hls-artemis/|url-status=live}}</ref> <ref name=ars20200430>{{cite news|last1=Berger|first1=Eric|title=NASA awards lunar lander contracts to Blue Origin, Dynetics and Starship|url=https://arstechnica.com/science/2020/04/nasa-awards-lunar-lander-contracts-to-blue-origin-dynetics-and-starship/|publisher=Ars Technica|date=April 30, 2020|access-date=June 12, 2020|archive-date=May 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200513224239/https://arstechnica.com/science/2020/04/nasa-awards-lunar-lander-contracts-to-blue-origin-dynetics-and-starship/|url-status=live}}</ref> <ref name=nasapr20200430>{{Source-attribution|sentence=yes|{{cite web|title=NASA Names Companies to Develop Human Landers for Artemis Missions|url=http://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-names-companies-to-develop-human-landers-for-artemis-moon-missions|last=Potter|first=Sean|date=April 30, 2020|website=nasa.gov|publisher=NASA|access-date=June 12, 2020|archive-date=May 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200511104107/https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-names-companies-to-develop-human-landers-for-artemis-moon-missions/|url-status=live}} }}</ref> }}

===Sources=== {{Refbegin}} * {{cite web |last1=Bridenstine |first1=Jim |last2=Grush |first2=Loren |title=NASA administrator on new Moon plan: "We're doing this in a way that's never been done before" |date=May 17, 2019 |url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/5/17/18627839/nasa-administrator-jim-bridenstine-artemis-moon-program-budget-amendment |publisher=The Verge |access-date=May 25, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190525033510/https://www.theverge.com/2019/5/17/18627839/nasa-administrator-jim-bridenstine-artemis-moon-program-budget-amendment |archive-date=May 25, 2019}} * {{cite web |last=Berger |first=Eric |date=20 May 2019a |title=NASA's full Artemis plan revealed: 37 launches and a lunar outpost |url=https://arstechnica.com/science/2019/05/nasas-full-artemis-plan-revealed-37-launches-and-a-lunar-outpost/ |publisher=Ars Technica |access-date=May 23, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190523032200/https://arstechnica.com/science/2019/05/nasas-full-artemis-plan-revealed-37-launches-and-a-lunar-outpost/ |archive-date=May 23, 2019}} * {{cite web |last=Foust |first=Jeff |author-link=Jeff Foust |date=24 May 2019a |title=NASA Has a Full Plate of Lunar Missions Before Astronauts Can Return to Moon |url=https://www.space.com/nasa-moon-missions-before-2024.html |publisher=Space.com |access-date=May 25, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190525032714/https://www.space.com/nasa-moon-missions-before-2024.html |archive-date=May 25, 2019}} * {{cite web |last=Grush |first=Loren |date=October 3, 2018 |url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/10/3/17928326/lockheed-martin-crewed-lunar-lander-concept-nasa |title=This is Lockheed Martin's idea for a reusable lander that carries people and cargo to the Moon |publisher=The Verge |access-date=October 18, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181003152411/https://www.theverge.com/2018/10/3/17928326/lockheed-martin-crewed-lunar-lander-concept-nasa |archive-date=October 3, 2018}} *{{source attribution| {{cite web|url=https://www.congress.gov/bill/111th-congress/senate-bill/3729|title=S.3729 – National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010|date=October 11, 2010|publisher=United States Congress|access-date=January 9, 2020|archive-date=April 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428040550/https://www.congress.gov/bill/111th-congress/senate-bill/3729|url-status=live}} }} {{Refend}}

== External links == {{Commons}} * [https://www.nasa.gov/topics/moon-to-mars Moon to Mars portal] at NASA * [https://www.nasa.gov/specials/artemis/ Artemis program] at NASA * [https://www.nasa.gov/content/esd-monthly-highlight-report Monthly report] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201004002751/https://www.nasa.gov/content/esd-monthly-highlight-report |date=October 4, 2020 }} by the Exploration Systems Development (ESD) * View Artemis I in NASA's Eyes [https://eyes.nasa.gov/apps/solar-system/#/sc_artemis_1 Eyes on the Solar System – NASA/JPL] * [https://www.artemislaunches.com Artemis Launch Calendar] from Artemis Base Camp media

{{Artemis program}} {{Orion program}} {{NASA space program}} {{Moon spacecraft}} {{US human spaceflight programs}} {{Portal bar|Astronomy|Stars|Spaceflight|Outer space|Solar System|United States}}

Category:Artemis program Category:2010s in the United States Category:2020s in the United States Category:2020s in spaceflight Category:Orion (spacecraft) Category:Commercial Lunar Payload Services Category:American lunar exploration program Category:Human spaceflight programs Category:NASA programs