What's behind this decision, when will we really return to the lunar surface, and how will this affect the journey to Mars?
Until recently, NASA had some ambitious plans for 2027. The long-awaited landing of astronauts on the Moon has been canceled, and the Artemis mission is undergoing changes. Here’s a rundown of the key updates, so you can stay informed about what’s happening and what it means for the future of the American space program.
The original plan had Artemis III landing astronauts on the Moon in 2027. However, NASA has now canceled this goal, and the mission will either orbit the Moon or remain in lunar orbit. This means the actual lunar surface landing is now pushed to at least 2028.
Artemis II is set to be the first crewed U.S. mission to the Moon in over 50 years. According to CNBC, four astronauts will fly around the Moon and return to Earth without landing. The crew includes Victor Glover, who will be the first Black astronaut on such a mission, and Christina Koch, the first woman involved in a lunar mission as part of the Artemis program.
The changes are due to technical issues and delays, especially with the Space Launch System rocket and the preparation of the Artemis II manned mission, whose launch has been postponed. This mission continues the successful uncrewed Artemis I mission from 2022 and serves as a preparatory step towards future Moon landings. NASA’s long-term goal remains sending astronauts to Mars.
