CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — The first human landing since the Apollo era is now scheduled for Artemis IV in early 2028.
▶ LISTEN TO ORLANDO’S MORNING NEWS EXPRESS PODCAST ON WDBO
The funding previously allocated to their $5.3 billion Gateway project has been redirected into a new $20 billion “Ignition Project” budget.
READ: NASA Unveils Initiatives to Achieve America’s National Space Policy.
- Lunar Surface Infrastructure: Funds are now being used to develop surface power systems, communications, and habitat modules, such as the Multi-purpose Habitat (MPH).
- Nuclear-Powered Mars Mission: A portion of the hardware and funding is being repurposed for Space Reactor-1 Freedom, a nuclear-electric propulsion mission aimed at reaching Mars, before 2028.
- Hardware Repurposing: Existing modules like HALO (Habitation and Logistics Outpost) may be converted for use as surface base components.
To help streamline these future missions, NASA has also made several hardware changes:
- SLS Configuration: Standardizing the SLS - (Space Launch System) - rocket for all missions starting with Artemis IV.
- Upper Stage Changes: The “Exploration Upper Stage” and “Mobile Launcher 2” have been cancelled due to delays; missions will now use a Centaur V or similar second stage.
- Commercial Integration: Increasing reliance on commercially procured, reusable hardware to help lower costs and increase launch frequency.
READ: NASA Strengthens Artemis: Adds Mission, Refines Overall Architecture.
NASA continues to refine its architecture plans, and the agency will share more information about its approach to lunar exploration and crew assignments in the future.
Current Artemis’ Mission(s) Timeline - (As of: March 31st, 2026, subject to change) -
Artemis II - (April 1st, 2026) - Crewed Flyby: First crewed flight of SLS/Orion. A 10-day journey 8,889 km beyond the Moon, no landing.
Artemis III - (Mid-2027) - Earth Orbit Test: Repurposed from a landing mission to an Earth-orbit docking test with SpaceX/Blue Origin landers.
Artemis IV - (Early 2028) - First Human Landing: The first crewed landing since Apollo 17. Crew will transfer from Orion directly to a lander in lunar orbit.
Artemis V - (Late 2028) - Base Construction: Second landing and the start of Moon base assembly using standardized SLS hardware.
Artemis VI+ - Annually Sustained Operations: Aiming for one surface landing per year, eventually increasing to every six months.
Stay tuned for possible updates; for more about the Artemis campaign, visit: HERE.
Click here to download our free news, weather and traffic app. And click here to subscribe to our daily 3 Big Things newsletter.