Artemis III: the story on HearLore

Spacecraft Systems Architecture

The Space Launch System serves as a super-heavy-lift launcher used to launch the Orion spacecraft from Earth to a trans-lunar orbit. Its core stage for this mission will use RS-25 engines E2048, E2052, E2054, and E2057. This will be the final mission using the variant SLS Block 1. Afterward, missions from Artemis IV until Artemis VIII will use SLS Block 1B with a more capable Exploration Upper Stage. Orion acts as the crew transport vehicle used by all Artemis missions. It transports the crew from Earth to lunar orbit and docks with Starship HLS. SpaceX developed Starship HLS to deliver it to near-rectilinear halo orbit prior to arrival of the crew. The delivery requires that Starship HLS be refueled in Earth orbit before boosting to the NRHO. At least 14 tanker flights fill a pre-positioned propellant depot in Earth orbit. Two astronauts transfer from Orion to Starship HLS which descends to the lunar surface. Following the return of the astronauts, Starship HLS is disposed of by sending it into heliocentric orbit.

When will Artemis III launch?

NASA officially expects Artemis III to launch no earlier than 2028. The mission was delayed from an initial target of September 2026 in January 2024 and further pushed back to 2027 in December 2024 before the final adjustment to 2028.

Who are the astronauts for Artemis III?

Artemis III aims to land two astronauts at the Moon's south polar region while up to four astronauts launch aboard Orion. Only two astronauts will descend to the surface aboard Starship HLS while the others remain aboard Orion during descent and ascent phases.

What is the duration of the Artemis III mission?

The total mission duration including flights will be about 30 days. This timeframe covers the journey from Earth to lunar orbit, the surface operations lasting approximately one week, and the return trip.

Where does Artemis III land on the Moon?

Artemis III aims to land two astronauts at the Moon's south polar region. The goal is to sample lunar water ice found in permanently shadowed craters within this specific area.

Why did NASA delay Artemis III multiple times?

Delays occurred due to spacesuit readiness issues reported by an Office of Inspector General audit on the 10th of August 2021 and technical hurdles with SpaceX Starship HLS. Valve problems in the life support system and heat shield issues on Orion contributed to schedule slippage that pushed the launch date from 2025 to 2028.

Artemis III.

Spacecraft Systems Architecture

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Common questions

When will Artemis III launch?

Who are the astronauts for Artemis III?

What is the duration of the Artemis III mission?

Where does Artemis III land on the Moon?

Why did NASA delay Artemis III multiple times?

Development Timeline And Delays

Human Landing System Procurement

Scientific Payloads And Experiments

Political Budgetary Challenges