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 by October 2025. Orbital refueling demo expected mid-2026.
In ProgressAxiom Space is developing the new spacesuits for lunar extravehicular activities. Currently undergoing thermal vacuum testing.
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.
AnnouncedFour astronauts (3 NASA + 1 CSA) will orbit around the Moon without landing. Testing life support systems with crew.
Crew: Reid Wiseman (Commander), Victor Glover (Pilot), Christina Koch, Jeremy Hansen (CSA)
In PreparationSpaceX will test propellant transfer between two Starships in Earth orbit, a critical technology for refueling Starship HLS before the lunar landing.
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.
PlannedThe first two modules of the Lunar Gateway — the Power and Propulsion Element (PPE) and the HALO module — will launch together on a Falcon Heavy to lunar orbit.
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 surface from Gateway station in lunar orbit.
PlannedAt least one landing per year with Gateway as an orbital base. Goal: permanent lunar presence and preparation for 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.