Isaacman revamps Artemis plan for the return to the moon

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced a revised Artemis schedule that adds an Earth-orbit mission in 2027 (designated Artemis III) and reassigns the first crewed lunar landing to Artemis IV in early 2028; the plan seeks a faster Space Launch System launch cadence by standardizing elements of the rocket. Responses range from skepticism to endorsement, and the Senate Commerce Committee has passed an authorization that supports the proposal.

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced a revamp of the Artemis program that adds a new Earth-orbit mission between Artemis II and the planned crewed lunar landing. The added mission is intended for 2027 and would be designated Artemis III, with the Orion spacecraft rendezvousing and docking with one or both planned Human Landing Systems. The first crewed lunar landing is now labeled Artemis IV and is scheduled for early 2028, with a possible second landing later in 2028 as Artemis V. Isaacman proposes a faster launch tempo for the Space Launch System by standardizing parts of the rocket and changing planned hardware. Key points: - The 2027 Earth-orbit flight would have Orion rendezvous and dock with the SpaceX Starship and/or the Blue Origin Blue Moon human landing systems and is designated Artemis III. - The first lunar landing attempt is redesignated Artemis IV and is scheduled for early 2028, with a possible Artemis V later in 2028. - Isaacman proposes moving to an SLS launch cadence of about once every 10 months by standardizing the rocket and canceling the Exploration Upper Stage, Mobile Launcher 2, and the 1B configuration. - Artemis II and Artemis III would fly with the current upper stage, while Artemis IV and V would use a standardized new upper stage, possibly Centaur V, per the announcement. - The announcement did not specify the future of the Gateway lunar orbital station or the fate of the SLS after Artemis V. - Public reactions included criticism from former NASA deputy Lori Garver and supportive commentary from others, and the Senate Commerce Committee passed a NASA authorization bill endorsing the plan. Summary: The proposal reorders missions and sets a tighter schedule, with an added 2027 Earth-orbit mission and lunar landings planned in 2028. Implementation hinges on how NASA proceeds with hardware changes, the Gateway’s role, and decisions about SLS beyond Artemis V; Undetermined at this time.