On October 23, 2026, NASA outlined its updated plans for returning astronauts to the Moon as part of the Artemis Program, with a target date of 2028. The new mission architecture includes a docking procedure for SpaceX's Starship and a four-launch plan for Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket, which will not involve spacecraft-to-spacecraft refuelings. The Blue Moon lander may also rendezvous with the Orion spacecraft in low-Lunar orbit.
Key facts
- NASA plans to return astronauts to the Moon by 2028.
- Orion will dock with SpaceX's Starship in high-Earth orbit.
- Blue Origin's mission includes four launches of the New Glenn rocket.
- No spacecraft-to-spacecraft refuelings are planned for Blue Origin.
- The Blue Moon lander may rendezvous with Orion in low-Lunar orbit.
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