NASA ARTEMIS MISSIONS

Special Launch System and the Orion Capsule

Introduction

For the first time since the Apollo era, humanity is preparing to return to the Moon — not for a fleeting visit, but to stay. NASA’s Artemis program is an ambitious, multi-mission effort designed to establish a sustained human presence on the lunar surface and to use the Moon as a stepping stone for future missions to Mars and beyond.

At its heart, Artemis is about exploration, science, and preparation. It aims to land the first woman and the next man on the Moon, to study the lunar environment in unprecedented detail, and to develop the technologies, spacecraft, and partnerships needed for deep-space exploration in the decades ahead.

The Artemis Missions: An Overview

NASA has currently defined four core Artemis missions — Artemis I through Artemis IV. Together, they centre on two key elements:

• The Space Launch System (SLS) — the most powerful rocket ever built

• The Orion spacecraft — a deep-space capsule designed to carry astronauts farther than any human-rated vehicle before it

Each mission builds incrementally on the last, increasing in complexity, ambition, and human involvement.

Artemis I — A Successful First Step (Completed)

Artemis I marked the first flight of the SLS rocket and the Orion capsule, and it has already taken place successfully.

• Crew: Uncrewed

• Objective: Test Orion and SLS in deep space

• Mission profile: Orion orbited the Moon and returned safely to Earth

• Outcome: A critical validation of systems, heat shields, navigation, and deep-space operations

Although no astronauts were on board, Artemis I was a pivotal moment. Orion travelled farther from Earth than any spacecraft designed to carry humans before, proving that the core architecture of Artemis works.

Artemis II — Humans Venture Beyond Earth Orbit (About to fly!)

Artemis II will be the first crewed Artemis mission and the first time humans have travelled beyond low Earth orbit since Apollo 17 in 1972.

• Crew: 4 astronauts

• Objective: Test Orion’s life-support and flight systems with humans aboard

• Mission profile: A lunar flyby (no landing)

• Projected launch: FEBRUARY 2026 – imminent!

This mission is about confidence and capability — ensuring that Orion can safely support astronauts on long-duration deep-space flights before committing to a lunar landing.

You will be able to watch it live here on Youtube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrVnsO_rdew

Artemis III — Returning Humans to the Lunar Surface

Artemis III is the mission that will return astronauts to the Moon itself.

• Crew: 4 astronauts (2 will land on the Moon)

• Objective: First human lunar landing since Apollo

• Mission profile: Lunar orbit, surface landing near the Moon’s south pole

• Projected launch: By 2028

The Moon’s south pole is of particular scientific interest due to the presence of permanently shadowed regions that may contain water ice — a vital resource for future exploration.

This mission will mark a historic milestone: the first woman to walk on the Moon.

Artemis IV — Building a Lasting Presence

Artemis IV moves beyond exploration toward infrastructure.

• Crew: 4 astronauts

• Objective: Begin assembling the Lunar Gateway, a space station orbiting the Moon

• Mission profile: Crew transport and delivery of Gateway components

• Projected launch: Early 2030’s

The Gateway will serve as a staging point for lunar landings, scientific research, and eventually missions to Mars — a permanent foothold in deep space.

Looking Ahead

Artemis is not a nostalgic return to the past. It represents a shift toward sustainable exploration, international cooperation, and long-term human presence beyond Earth.

As we watch these missions unfold, it’s worth remembering that every image of the Moon — every crater, shadow, and glowing horizon — is no longer just a distant object of study. It is once again a destination.

And this time, we’re planning to stay.