At a briefing at Kennedy Space Center on 23 October, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, Amit Kshatriya and Artemis programme manager Jeremy Parsons said Artemis III is on track for mid-2027. Four astronauts will spend about 14 days in Earth orbit: Blue Origin’s Blue Moon Mk2 launches first, Orion docks with it on day 3 for two days while the crew tests the cabin, then Starship launches on day 6 and Orion docks with it for about two hours. Landings near the lunar south pole follow on Artemis IV and V in 2028; which lander gets there first is open, and NASA’s safety panel has raised concerns about lander readiness.
14days in Earth orbit for Artemis III (mid-2027)
2landers to dock with: Blue Moon and Starship
2028first crewed landings planned (Artemis IV and V)