With Orion still flying, NASA is nearing key decisions about Artemis III
4 hours ago
- #NASA Artemis Program
- #Space Exploration
- #Orbit Mission
- NASA is planning to modify its Artemis timeline, adding a new Earth orbit mission (Artemis III) before the lunar landing (now Artemis IV) to reduce risks and increase chances of success.
- NASA is debating whether Artemis III will be in Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) or High-Earth Orbit (HEO), with LEO potentially allowing the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket to avoid using the Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (ICPS), saving it for Artemis IV.
- During Artemis III, the Orion spacecraft will launch on SLS from Florida, rendezvousing in Earth orbit with NASA's Human Landing Systems, such as SpaceX's Starship and Blue Origin's Blue Moon lander.