Humanity's path to returning to the Moon: all milestones of the Artemis program from the first test mission to the Artemis IV landing.
First flight of the Space Launch System (SLS) and Orion capsule. Uncrewed mission to test all systems.
CompletedOrion performed a close flyby of the Moon at just 130 km from the surface, entering a distant retrograde orbit.
CompletedOrion returned to Earth after 25.5 days in space, traveling over 1.4 million miles. Splashdown in the Pacific Ocean.
CompletedSpaceX catches the Super Heavy booster for the first time using the launch tower's mechanical arms ("Mechazilla"). A historic moment for space reusability.
CompletedSpaceX continues Starship testing, the vehicle that will serve as the lunar lander for Artemis IV. 11 integrated flight tests completed (IFT-1 through IFT-11, October 2025). IFT-12 (Starship V3 debut with Raptor 3 engines, first flight from Starbase's new Pad 2) in launch window May 12-18, 2026. Orbital refueling demo expected mid-2026.
In ProgressAxiom Space develops new spacesuits for lunar extravehicular activities. Critical Design Sync Review completed February 2026. Over 850 hours of pressurized testing. First flight unit components arriving, assembly expected spring 2026.
In DevelopmentThe HALO habitation module (Habitation and Logistics Outpost), built by Thales Alenia Space, arrives in the United States at Northrop Grumman's facility for final assembly before launch.
CompletedSLS rocket stacking for Artemis II completed at Kennedy Space Center's VAB: boosters, core stage, upper stage, and Orion capsule with launch abort system.
CompletedNASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announces major restructuring: Artemis III becomes a LEO test mission, lunar landing moves to Artemis IV. EUS, SLS Block 1B/2, and Mobile Launcher 2 cancelled. SLS standardized on Block 1.
AnnouncedAt the "Ignition" event, NASA announces a $20 billion plan to build a permanent base at the lunar South Pole by 2030: habitats, pressurized rovers, and nuclear power. Lunar Gateway development paused to redirect resources to surface infrastructure. The PPE module will be repurposed for the SR-1 Freedom Mars mission.
AnnouncedLaunched from Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center at 6:35 PM EDT. Four astronauts (3 NASA + 1 CSA) traveling to the Moon: the first crewed deep space mission since 1972.
Crew: Reid Wiseman (Commander), Victor Glover (Pilot), Christina Koch, Jeremy Hansen (CSA)
CompletedClose flyby of the Moon completed at about 6,500 km from the surface. The crew surpassed Apollo 13's distance record from Earth (252,757 miles). Historic record for the farthest human journey from Earth.
CompletedReturn to Earth after approximately 10 days in space. Perfect splashdown in the Pacific Ocean off San Diego, California, at 8:07 PM EDT. Crew recovered by USS John P. Murtha, all in excellent condition. Total distance traveled: approximately 694,000 miles (1.1 million km).
CompletedThe mobile launcher returns to the Vehicle Assembly Building from Pad 39B after the Artemis II launch, for inspections, repairs, and preparation for integration with SLS and Orion for Artemis III.
CompletedThe upper section of the SLS core stage for Artemis III, built at the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, arrives at Kennedy Space Center aboard the Pegasus barge (departed April 20, offloaded April 28). Rocket integration for the next mission begins.
CompletedWithin a few weeks, six new countries sign the Artemis Accords, the framework of principles for peaceful and cooperative lunar exploration. Recent signatories include Jordan (April 23, 63rd nation), Ireland (May 4), and Paraguay (May 7). The international partner network continues to grow in support of the program.
OngoingMaiden flight of Starship Version 3 (Booster 19 + Ship 39), 124 meters tall, powered by the new Raptor 3 engines. First launch from Pad 2 at Starbase, Texas. Suborbital test profile with splashdown in the Indian Ocean, a key step toward the Block 3 capabilities required for HLS.
PlannedSpaceX will test propellant transfer between two Starships in Earth orbit, a critical technology for refueling Starship HLS before the lunar landing. Depends on Block 3 upgrades introduced with IFT-12.
PlannedLEO test mission: rendezvous and docking with one or both commercial landers (SpaceX Starship HLS and Blue Origin Blue Moon). AxEMU spacesuit testing, integrated life support and communications systems validation.
PlannedFirst Artemis lunar landing and first since Apollo 17 in 1972. Two astronauts will descend to the lunar South Pole aboard Starship HLS. Includes the first woman and first person of color on the Moon.
PlannedSecond Artemis landing using Blue Origin's Blue Moon lander. Astronauts will reach the lunar South Pole directly from the Orion spacecraft.
PlannedFirst nuclear-powered mission beyond Earth's gravitational influence. Uses PPE hardware (ex-Gateway) with a 20+ kW fission reactor. Will carry Ingenuity-class helicopters for scientific research on Mars.
PlannedAt least two landings per year with a permanent base at the lunar South Pole. Goal: habitats, pressurized rovers, nuclear power on the surface, and preparation for human missions to Mars.
FutureTechnologies and experience gained with Artemis will prepare humanity for the first human missions to Mars.
VisionThe dates shown are official NASA estimates and are subject to change based on technological development, testing, and other factors. This page is regularly updated with the most recent information.