NASA Delays Artemis III to 2027 for Orbit Tests of Blue Origin and SpaceX Landers

NASA plans to launch the 14-day Artemis III mission in 2027 to test human landing systems in low Earth orbit before attempting a crewed lunar landing near the Moon’s South Pole in 2028. The mission will send four astronauts—Randy Bresnik, Frank Rubio, Andre Douglas, and ESA astronaut Luca Parmitano—aboard the Orion spacecraft using three separate rockets.

During the flight, the crew will conduct two separate docking demonstrations. First, Orion will rendezvous and dock with a test version of Blue Origin’s Blue Moon Mark 2 lander, allowing astronauts to spend about two days evaluating the cabin environment, life-support systems, and controls. Afterward, Orion will undock and perform a second rendezvous with a SpaceX Starship Version 3 test article to evaluate docking dynamics and communications systems without crew entry.

According to NASA Artemis program manager Jeremy Parsons, launching three spacecraft on three different rockets to operate together is an unprecedented effort designed to reduce operational risk. The mission also includes up to five remaining days in orbit for suit evaluations, health-related assessments, science demonstrations, and preparing for a Pacific Ocean splashdown.