NASA's Artemis program aims to send the first woman and first person of color to the Moon, with plans to create a long-term presence there by the end of the decade. By partnering with U.S. companies and international space agencies, NASA will drive new scientific discoveries and help lay the groundwork for a lunar economy led by private companies. The knowledge gained from Moon missions will also help prepare for future astronaut missions to Mars.
The first steps involve U.S. companies delivering scientific tools and technology to the Moon’s surface. After that, a space station called the Gateway will be placed in lunar orbit to support both human and scientific missions. Human landers will then transport astronauts to the Moon’s surface. The Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft will serve as key components, enabling the construction of the Gateway and the transportation of astronauts between Earth and the Moon.
Groundbreaking Science
The Moon holds a wealth of scientific discoveries, with many mysteries waiting to be uncovered. Studying the Moon will improve our knowledge of Earth, the solar system, and the wider universe. NASA plans to use the Moon as a scientific platform to study our planet, monitor the Sun, and explore deep space. The presence of water and potential rare Earth metals on the Moon also offers exciting possibilities for both research and future human missions.
NASA is developing scientific instruments and technology for Moon deliveries through U.S. companies, which began in 2021. These missions will help scientists learn more about the lunar surface and provide a chance to test new lander technology before astronauts travel to the Moon.
Getting There: SLS and Orion
The Space Launch System (SLS) and Orion spacecraft play a key role in NASA’s plans for Moon missions and future deep-space exploration. The SLS is designed to be the most powerful rocket in the world, built to safely send astronauts on long-distance space missions. Orion is specially made to support human life far from Earth, where returning home takes days instead of hours.
The first mission will test these spacecraft together without a crew. The second mission will send astronauts on a test flight around the Moon. On the third flight, SLS and Orion will transport the first woman and first person of color to the lunar surface. Along with the Gateway space station, these systems will form the foundation of NASA’s long-term exploration efforts.
In Lunar Orbit
The Gateway will support extended crew missions, allowing astronauts to stay in space for months and conduct multiple landings at different locations on the Moon. It is also designed to function independently as a deep-space research station when no crew is on board. The structure will be built using internationally agreed-upon standards to ensure collaboration between different space agencies.
The first phase of the Gateway will include a Power and Propulsion Element and a crew living area known as the Habitation and Logistics Outpost (HALO). It will also be equipped to receive supply shipments to support ongoing missions.
Over time, the Gateway will serve as a hub for refueling stations, maintenance platforms, and a facility for analyzing samples collected from the Moon and beyond, benefiting both scientific research and commercial space exploration.
Humans on the Moon
NASA is collaborating with commercial companies to design and develop human landers that will transport astronauts to the Moon. The goal is to create a sustainable landing system that allows for global lunar access and reusability. Private sector advancements are crucial to NASA’s long-term lunar exploration plans. Through public-private partnerships, human spaceflight capabilities in deep space are improving while also driving commercial space activities.
NASA is working on building larger, more advanced landers capable of carrying additional cargo and landing with greater precision. Future landers will also transport specialized instruments to locate essential resources on the Moon. These missions will collect samples and return them to the Gateway for further study.
NASA has also proposed a plan for combining robotic and human exploration to establish long-term lunar infrastructure. This includes a lunar terrain vehicle (LTV) for crew transport around landing zones, a habitable mobility platform for extended 45-day missions, and a surface habitat designed to accommodate up to four crew members for shorter stays on the Moon.
Looking to Mars
NASA continues to collaborate with companies to tackle the challenges of sustaining human life in space. This includes finding ways to use available resources, manage waste disposal, and develop reliable support systems. Since lunar missions are about 1,000 times farther from Earth than those to the International Space Station, these systems must function efficiently while being lightweight enough for launch. As space travel advances, these technologies will play an even greater role in preparing for the 34-million-mile journey to Mars.
The exploration of the Moon and Mars is closely connected. The Moon serves as a testing ground for tools, equipment, and systems that could later support missions to Mars. This includes human habitats, life support technologies, and methods for creating self-sustaining settlements beyond Earth. Extended stays on the Gateway will also provide valuable insight into how the human body adapts to deep space conditions, helping scientists prepare for long-duration missions to Mars.
Mary Watson
