NASA's Artemis Program
Objectives and Architecture
Artemis is NASA's program to return humans to the Moon, formally established in 2017. It is structured in sequential missions: Artemis I (uncrewed lunar orbit, November 2022 — completed successfully), Artemis II (first crewed lunar flyby, 2026), and Artemis III (first crewed lunar landing since Apollo, planned 2027+). The program uses two key systems: the Space Launch System (SLS) — a heavy-lift rocket with 77-ton-to-orbit capacity in Block 1 configuration — and the Orion spacecraft, a four-person deep-space capsule with a European Service Module (built by Airbus). The long-term vision includes the Lunar Gateway orbital station and a sustained lunar presence as a stepping stone to Mars.
- SLS Block 1 lift capacity: 77 tonnes to low Earth orbit.
- Orion crew module capacity: 4 crew members; can sustain crew up to 21 days undocked, 6 months docked.
- European Service Module (ESM) built by Airbus for ESA — contains 33 engines and provides propulsion, power, and life support.
- Artemis I (uncrewed) launched November 16, 2022 — successfully completed lunar orbit and re-entry test.
- Artemis II crew: Reid Wiseman (commander), Victor Glover, Christina Koch, Jeremy Hansen (first non-American on a NASA lunar mission).
● Tracked since February 21, 2026 · last seen April 11, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes