What changes has NASA made to the Artemis moon program?

NASA has canceled a multi-billion dollar upgrade by Boeing for the SLS rocket and reconfigured the mission sequence to allow for more frequent flights, including an additional test mission closer to Earth.

When is the Artemis III moon landing now scheduled?

The Artemis III moon landing has been pulled forward and is now scheduled for 2027.

Why is NASA changing the Artemis program sequence?

The changes aim to accelerate progress, counteract criticisms of slow development pace for the SLS rocket, and address delays and cost overruns to meet the 2028 lunar touchdown deadline.

Home / Science / NASA Shifts Moon Landing Goal: New Plan Revealed

NASA Shifts Moon Landing Goal: New Plan Revealed

27 Feb

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Summary

NASA cancels Boeing's upgrade for SLS rocket centerpiece.
Artemis III moon landing pulled forward to 2027.
New plan includes an extra test flight closer to Earth.

NASA Shifts Moon Landing Goal: New Plan Revealed

NASA has announced significant changes to its Artemis moon program, aiming to accelerate progress and address delays. A major shift involves canceling a multi-billion dollar upgrade by Boeing for the centerpiece SLS rocket. The agency is reconfiguring the mission sequence to enable more frequent flights.

This revised strategy includes an additional test mission staged closer to Earth, pushing the original Artemis III moon landing to 2027. The Artemis IV mission is now slated to land a crew on the moon in 2028, maintaining the program's ultimate objective.

NASA is also seeking an alternative to Boeing's Exploration Upper Stage, which has faced criticism for schedule delays and cost overruns. This move aims to mitigate risks associated with Boeing's development pace.

The program has been criticized for mismanagement and significant cost overruns, with estimates nearing $93 billion. These changes come amid increasing competition, with NASA seeking to outpace geopolitical rivals.

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