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NASA's Moon Mission Delayed Again: New Landing Set for 2028
2 Mar
Summary
- Artemis III moon landing postponed from 2027 to 2028.
- Technical issues plague SLS rocket, causing further delays.
- Space enthusiasts express significant frustration online.
NASA has revealed a revised strategy for its Artemis moon missions, delaying the Artemis III lunar landing from its previously scheduled 2027 date to 2028. This significant shift aims to incorporate more incremental progress and increase the flight rate, a move NASA administrator Jared Isaacman likens to the spirit of the Apollo missions.
The delay stems from persistent technical issues, including a blockage discovered in the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket's helium system and leaks of super-cooled hydrogen fuel. These problems have pushed the Artemis II launch to April 2026 at the earliest, with its lunar flyby mission now scheduled for April 2026.
The updated timeline designates Artemis III for a low-Earth orbit test flight in 2027, with the lunar landing now slated for Artemis IV in 2028. A second lunar landing, Artemis V, may follow in 2028, with NASA targeting a permanent lunar presence by 2030.
This new plan has drawn sharp criticism from space enthusiasts and former officials alike. Concerns are particularly high regarding the reliability of the SpaceX Starship, a key component for Artemis III, given its limited success in test flights. Critics like former NASA Administrator Lori Garver have termed the new timeline 'magical thinking,' citing a history of overruns and delays.
