NASA is on track to launch Artemis III in September 2026, marking the first crewed moon landing in over 50 years and a critical milestone toward establishing a sustainable human presence on the lunar surface.
The mission aims to land astronauts near the Moon’s south pole, where scientists hope to uncover new insights about water ice and deep space survival.
A return to the Moon—and beyond
NASA’s Artemis program is more than a symbolic return to the Moon. It’s a cornerstone of the agency’s long-term vision to use the lunar surface as a proving ground for future crewed missions to Mars. The Artemis III mission will include the first woman and the first person of color to set foot on the Moon.
The four-person crew will be launched aboard the Orion spacecraft using NASA’s massive Space Launch System (SLS) rocket. After docking with SpaceX’s Starship Human Landing System in lunar orbit, two astronauts will descend to the surface for a roughly one-week stay.
Why the Moon’s south pole matters
The landing site near the Moon’s south pole was selected for both scientific and logistical reasons. Unlike the equatorial region visited by Apollo missions, the south pole is home to permanently shadowed craters that may contain frozen water.
The area’s rugged terrain and lighting conditions present new challenges, but NASA says robotic scouts, including the Viper rover set to launch in 2025, are helping pave the way.
Commercial space and the new space race
Artemis III also highlights NASA’s evolving partnership with the private sector. SpaceX’s involvement through its Starship vehicle marks the first time a commercial spacecraft will carry astronauts to the lunar surface.
While delays and budget constraints remain, experts say NASA is making meaningful progress. The agency’s inspector general recently reported that Artemis III is 75% through system readiness reviews, though further tests will be critical through 2025.
What’s next?
After Artemis III, NASA plans annual missions under Artemis IV and beyond, with the eventual goal of constructing the Gateway, a small lunar-orbiting space station to serve as a staging point for deeper space travel.
As the countdown to 2026 continues, the world will be watching—this time, not just for the footprint, but for the first steps toward staying.
