NASA is working closely with U.S. industry leaders to develop human landing systems (HLS) as part of the Artemis program, a bold initiative aimed at returning astronauts to the Moon and pushing the boundaries of human space exploration. This collaboration is central to NASA’s efforts to establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon and lay the groundwork for future missions to Mars.
1(Top) An artist’s concept showing Starship tanker transferring propellant to a Starship depot in low Earth orbit. (Bottom) An artist concept shows how a crewed Orion Spacecraft will dock to SpaceX’s Starship Human Landing System (HLS) in lunar orbit for Artemis III. Credit: SpaceX
For Artemis III, set to be the first crewed lunar landing in over half a century, NASA has partnered with SpaceX to create the Starship Human Landing System. This mission will mark humanity’s return to the Moon since the Apollo program ended in 1972. Newly released artist conceptions showcase how the Starship HLS will function: docking with NASA’s Orion spacecraft in lunar orbit, transferring two astronauts from Orion to Starship, and carrying them down to the lunar surface.
(Top) An artist’s concept of SpaceX starship Human Landing System (HLS) on the surface of the moon. (Bottom) An artost’s concept shows two Artemis III astronauts preparing to step off the elevator at the bottom of Starship HLS to the Moon’s surface. Credit: SpaceX
Once on the Moon, the astronauts will conduct groundbreaking science, collecting samples and performing experiments to better understand the Moon’s geology, environment, and resources. After completing their work, the crew will ascend back to lunar orbit aboard Starship to rejoin the Orion spacecraft for their return journey to Earth. Before Artemis III’s historic crewed mission, SpaceX will perform an uncrewed demonstration to prove Starship’s readiness for lunar operations.
Building on Artemis III, NASA is working with SpaceX to enhance the Starship HLS for Artemis IV and beyond. These upgrades will include the capability to deliver heavier payloads to the lunar surface and the ability to dock with NASA’s Gateway, a modular space station that will orbit the Moon. The Gateway will serve as a hub for crew transfers, science operations, and future exploration missions deeper into the solar system.
The Artemis program is not just about returning to the Moon—it’s about building a sustainable presence there and preparing for the challenges of human exploration on Mars. By exploring the Moon’s South Pole region, Artemis will unlock valuable resources like water ice, which could support future missions by providing life support and rocket fuel.
This ambitious program relies on an interconnected framework of advanced technologies. NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft will transport astronauts to lunar orbit, where they will board human landing systems like Starship to reach the surface. Other key elements include next-generation spacesuits, advanced rovers for surface exploration, and the Gateway, which will facilitate longer-term missions and serve as a testbed for deep space exploration technologies.
NASA views Artemis as a vital step toward realizing its long-term vision of sending humans to Mars. By using the Moon as a proving ground, the agency aims to develop the tools, techniques, and knowledge needed to support human life and work in hostile environments far from Earth.
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