The 2020s are of great importance for space exploration. We’ve already seen NASA sending a spacecraft around the Moon with Artemis I, but now we’re gearing up for the Artemis II mission, as well as the launch of Artemis III, NASA’s first attempt to leave a footprint on the Moon’s surface.
NASA works hard to inform the scientific world and is constantly uncovering new information about Artemis III. Here’s everything you need to know about NASA’s upcoming Artemis III mission and humanity’s iconic return to the Moon.
Starship use
Although the Artemis I and Artemis II launches only use NASA’s SLS rocket, the space agency plans to switch to SpaceX’s Starship landing system for the second leg of the journey on Artemis III. Starship’s mission will be to land humans back on the Moon and then carry them back into orbit to return to Earth with Orion. Starship recently conducted its first launch test, which Elon Musk considered a success, resulting in a fireball.
Liftoff from Starbase pic.twitter.com/rgpc2XO7Z9
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) April 20, 2023
landing zones
One of the most remarkable things about the first Artemis mission to take humanity back to the surface of the Moon is that we are not going back to where the astronauts went before. Instead, Artemis III will take astronauts to the Moon’s south pole.
The south pole is one of the most unexplored regions of the Moon. NASA has already shared some possible landing sites for Artemis missions that could one day host a suitable lunar base where astronauts live and work.
New generation spacesuits
It’s a fact that NASA astronauts have been wearing old-fashioned spacesuits aboard the International Space Station for the past few years. But NASA has partnered with Axiom Space to create a next-generation spacesuit designed to further improve mobility on the Moon.
These new spacesuits have already been introduced and astronauts will use them on future Artemis missions.
Mission map
While NASA has yet to announce any crew for Artemis III, the space agency has given us an idea of what to expect when the mission launches. The mission map is summarized in the image we added above. This mission timeline is likely to change if SpaceX continues to have problems with Starship.
At its core is an inclusive attitude: Another highlight of the Artemis III mission is that NASA has promised it will be the first mission to send a woman and a person of color to the lunar surface. This is a huge achievement that we hope will continue to break down industry barriers for future missions.
A new exploration vehicle
Another thing to look forward to when Artemis III lands on the Moon is the addition of a next-generation lunar rover. Lockheed Martin and LunarOutpost are working to develop a revolutionary new reconnaissance vehicle, but other companies are working on other options as well.
Launch window
NASA has yet to share an exact launch window for the third Artemis mission; but the space agency is currently targeting 2025. But Starship-related delays could potentially shift this to 2026. The second Artemis mission is scheduled to launch in 2024.
Coverage may vary
While Artemis III is currently scheduled to explore the southern portion of the Moon’s surface, NASA deputy administrator Jim Free admitted at a press briefing in early August 2023 that the scope of the mission could be subject to change. Free said that although the mission is currently scheduled for December 2025, it could be rolled back and potential delays due to hardware needs could cause the scope of the mission to change.
Artemis I may have been successful, but the space agency is still waiting to see the trajectory of the first crewed Artemis mission. It also needs to make sure Axiom’s spacesuits are ready for the Moon. NASA also hired Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin to build a landing system, which may help eliminate the need to wait for SpaceX to get everything right.
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