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Starfleet' Begins: Next Steps to Moon Landing
9 Jun
Summary
- All-male crew of four to pilot upcoming lunar test mission.
- Artemis IV mission targets first human lunar landing in 2028.
- SpaceX and Blue Origin landers to be tested next year.
A crew of four, led by pilot Luca Parmitano, is set to embark on a two-week mission orbiting Earth next year. This flight will rigorously test lunar landers developed by private entities, including Blue Origin and SpaceX. These tests are crucial stepping stones toward NASA's ambitious Artemis IV mission, slated for 2028, which aims to achieve the first crewed lunar touchdown in 66 years.
The mission will evaluate critical docking maneuvers and life support systems for both Blue Origin's Blue Moon and SpaceX's Human Landing System. Despite a recent launchpad explosion involving Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket, both companies and NASA express confidence in meeting future timelines, with NASA actively supporting partner efforts to overcome challenges.
Nasa administrator Jared Isaacman characterized the initiative as the dawn of "Earth's first starfleet," highlighting the collaborative effort. The crew includes experienced astronauts like mission commander Randy Bresnik, and aviator Frank Rubio. Andrew Douglas, a systems engineer, will make his first spaceflight. This endeavor marks a significant phase in humanity's return to the Moon and the establishment of a permanent lunar presence.
