NASA reveals bold new plan to return astronauts to the Moon in 2028
NASA has revealed new details about its accelerated effort to return American astronauts to the Moon in 2028. The updated strategy includes testing two competing lunar landers, streamlining rocket preparations, and introducing a lighter spacesuit to help make the first moonwalks possible sooner.
During an October 23 briefing, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman and other agency leaders outlined the next steps for the Artemis program. The revised approach centers on two major missions: Artemis III, a test flight scheduled for 2027, and Artemis IV, which is intended to land astronauts on the lunar surface in 2028.
The announcement builds on priorities introduced earlier this year through NASA's Ignition initiative. Agency officials also highlighted recent progress in spacecraft development, mission preparations, and partnerships with private aerospace companies. These efforts are intended to reduce technical risks, accelerate the schedule, and establish the foundation for a lasting American presence on the Moon.
"This is a very energized NASA, and these updates are only a small part of that story. We are bringing extreme focus to the mission to ensure delivery of world-changing outcomes as quickly, safely, affordably, and successfully as possible," said Isaacman. "NASA is driving outcomes to make Moon missions a reality, and we're not waiting for others to bring their plans to us -- the campaign must move with urgency as strategic competitors pursue a permanent presence beyond Earth."
Artemis III Will Test Two Lunar Landers in Earth Orbit
Before attempting another crewed Moon landing, NASA plans to conduct a major rehearsal in Earth orbit. The Artemis III mission will bring together NASA's Orion spacecraft and experimental lunar landers developed by SpaceX and Blue Origin.
Four astronauts will travel aboard Orion, launching on NASA's powerful SLS (Space Launch System) rocket. During the planned 14-day mission, the crew will practice rendezvous and docking procedures with both companies' lander test vehicles. Rendezvous involves guiding two spacecraft to meet in orbit, while docking allows them to connect so astronauts can move between vehicles.
These demonstrations are designed to verify important spacecraft capabilities before Artemis IV attempts to carry astronauts to the Moon's surface.
The tests will take place in a carefully planned sequence. Blue Origin will first launch a test version of its Blue Moon lander into Earth orbit. NASA will then send Orion and its four astronauts into space aboard the SLS rocket, where Orion will rendezvous and dock with the Blue Moon vehicle.
Next, SpaceX will launch a test version of its Version 3 Starship lunar lander. Orion will separate from Blue Moon and perform another docking maneuver, this time with Starship. By testing both systems during a single crewed mission, NASA aims to gather essential operational experience while reducing uncertainties before the 2028 landing attempt.
NASA Cuts Rocket Preparation Times and Costs
The new mission details follow other recent Artemis progress reports. According to NASA, the hardware needed for Artemis III remains on schedule, and improvements in processing have reduced preparation timelines by approximately 50%.
The agency also reported a significant engineering achievement involving a critical rocket fuel-line component. Rather than relying on an outside supplier, NASA engineers redesigned, manufactured, and tested the component themselves in just five months. The work cost roughly one-tenth of an earlier estimate from an external vendor.
"NASA should be expected to do this kind of work, and we have some of the best technical knowledge in the world on rocket hardware and operations to do it," said Jeremy Parsons, the agency's Artemis program manager. "It's an example of how we are rebuilding our core competencies and developing centers of excellence in technical functions instead of continuing to outsource expertise."
The improvements reflect NASA's broader effort to strengthen its internal engineering capabilities, shorten development schedules, and reduce the cost of preparing missions for launch.
SpaceX and Blue Origin Offer Different Paths to the Moon
For Artemis IV in 2028, NASA intends to launch astronauts aboard Orion using the SLS rocket from Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Once in space, the crew will rely on a lunar landing system developed by either SpaceX or Blue Origin to reach the Moon's surface.
Both companies have revised their original mission designs to make operations simpler, more efficient, and more adaptable. Although they share the same objective, their approaches to transporting astronauts to the lunar surface differ considerably.
SpaceX plans to use its Starship spacecraft, which will take on additional propellant while orbiting Earth. After refueling, Starship will meet Orion and carry the spacecraft toward the Moon. Refueling in orbit is an important part of SpaceX's strategy because it allows the vehicle to receive the propellant needed for its journey after leaving the launchpad.
Blue Origin is developing a different approach using its Blue Moon Mark 2 lander. Its plan calls for additional propulsion stages in Earth orbit to send the lander toward the Moon. The lander will then meet Orion in a relatively low lunar orbit before carrying astronauts down to the surface.
Both companies are working toward having their systems ready to support a crewed Moon landing in 2028. Maintaining two potential landing systems gives NASA greater flexibility as development and testing continue.
NASA Explores New Rocket Options for Artemis IV
NASA is also considering two possible upper stages for the SLS rocket used on Artemis IV. An upper stage is the portion of a rocket that provides additional propulsion after the earlier stages have completed their work, helping send a spacecraft toward its destination.
One option is the interim cryogenic propulsion stage already used by SLS. The other is an extended version of United Launch Alliance's Centaur V upper stage, which would hold additional propellant.
By developing both possibilities, NASA hopes to preserve flexibility in its launch plans and avoid becoming dependent on a single technical solution. Having alternatives could help the agency respond to engineering challenges without jeopardizing the broader Moon landing schedule.
A New Lightweight Spacesuit Could Speed Up Moonwalks
Another important change involves the spacesuits astronauts will wear while exploring the lunar surface.
NASA is working with Axiom Space on a second, lighter design known as the "Sortie suit." The new suit is intended specifically for the first Moon surface excursions and weighs approximately half as much as Axiom's larger primary spacesuit.
The lighter design could simplify preparations for the earliest landing missions and help astronauts begin exploring the lunar surface sooner.
However, the Sortie suit is not intended to replace the primary design. Axiom's more capable suit will remain part of NASA's plans for future missions that require longer periods outside the spacecraft and more demanding surface activities.
Building a Permanent Human Presence on the Moon
NASA's ambitions extend well beyond returning astronauts to the lunar surface for a single mission.
As the Artemis program advances, the agency intends to send crews on increasingly challenging expeditions near the Moon's South Pole. This region is an important focus of future lunar exploration, and the missions are designed to expand how much of the Moon humans can investigate directly.
NASA describes the effort as part of a new Golden Age of innovation and exploration. The agency expects its lunar missions to support scientific discoveries, generate economic benefits, and encourage the development of technologies needed for more ambitious space exploration.
Ultimately, the goal is to establish an enduring human presence on the Moon rather than repeat the brief visits of earlier lunar expeditions. The experience gained from operating spacecraft, supporting astronauts, and carrying out increasingly complex missions on the lunar surface will also help NASA prepare for another historic objective: sending the first astronauts to Mars.
