Artemis III plans two lunar-lander docking tests in Earth orbit
NASA has outlined an Earth-orbit campaign in which four Artemis III astronauts would test Orion with Blue Moon and Starship. The planned flight combines three rocket launches and different docking procedures, including crew entry into Blue Moon. Its schedule is intended to prepare for a lunar landing in 2028, while the exact launch date remains uncertain.
Science··Night
Three launches set up an orbital rehearsal
NASA, the US space agency, has published an operating plan for Artemis III that brings Orion and two commercial lunar-lander designs together in low Earth orbit. Four astronauts would test the spacecraft in a mission planned for 2027. The nominal duration is 14 days, with a possible extension to 17 days. The campaign is intended to prepare for Artemis IV, the crewed lunar landing NASA plans near the south pole in 2028.[1], [2]
The sequence begins with Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket carrying a test version of Blue Moon into orbit. NASA's Space Launch System would then launch Orion from Kennedy Space Center in Florida. SpaceX would send a Starship test vehicle later. Blue Moon's ability to remain in orbit for up to 30 days gives the following launch some scheduling flexibility.[1], [2]
Crew would enter Blue Moon
Orion's crew comprises Randy Bresnik, Frank Rubio, Andre Douglas and European Space Agency astronaut Luca Parmitano. Under NASA's plan, they would spend the first two days checking the capsule and preparing to approach Blue Moon. After docking, approximately two days inside the lander would be devoted to its cabin environment, controls, life support and atmospheric pressure. Emergency procedures and coordination between flight-control teams are also part of the programme.[1], [2]
NASA's flight sequence places the Blue Moon rendezvous on the third flight day, at approximately 439 kilometres above Earth. Starship would launch around the sixth day and meet Orion on the eighth, near 381 kilometres. A specially constructed adapter on Starship's nose is part of the proposed docking configuration. These orbital encounters give the crew different vehicle combinations to evaluate during the campaign.[2]
Starship docking would keep astronauts in Orion
The Starship encounter would last approximately two hours, without astronauts entering the vehicle. NASA plans to test communications, integrated software, vehicle control and the movement of the joined spacecraft. Its docking arrangement differs from Blue Moon's, requiring another approach. After these operations, the proposed programme includes suit evaluations, health assessments, science experiments and technology demonstrations before Orion returns to the Pacific Ocean off California.[1]
The exact launch date remains uncertain. Artemis programme manager Jeremy Parsons identified difficulties in the landers' supply chains among the major challenges. NASA has also kept both Blue Moon and Starship in contention for the lunar landing, rather than selecting one at this stage.[2]
