Dry Run Ahead of Crewed Return
In 2027, the space agency intends to carry out a demonstration flight that will pave the way for sending astronauts back to the lunar surface. Labeled the Artemis III demonstration, the mission acts as a dress rehearsal before a crewed landing currently targeted for 2028.
During the exercise, controllers on the ground and crews in orbit will rehearse meeting and docking procedures between the Orion capsule and commercially built human landing systems. Information gathered from the flight will support planning for later missions.
- Schedule: demonstration in 2027, crewed landing in 2028
- Systems involved: Orion and commercial Human Landing Systems
- Focus: rendezvous and docking operations
Alongside the orbital test, additional uncrewed demonstration missions near the Moon are planned. These efforts will provide further data to confirm procedures ahead of the human landing.