What is the Artemis Program?

Artemis is NASA's program to land the first woman and first person of color on the Moon. Named after Apollo's twin sister in Greek mythology, it aims to establish sustainable lunar exploration by the end of the decade.

The Missions

Artemis I (Completed 2022)

Uncrewed test flight of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft around the Moon.

Artemis II (Planned)

First crewed flight around the Moon since Apollo 17 in 1972. Four astronauts will orbit the Moon without landing.

Artemis III and Beyond

Crewed lunar landing missions, establishing the Lunar Gateway space station, and building toward a permanent Moon base.

The Hardware

Space Launch System (SLS)

The most powerful rocket ever built, capable of lifting 27 metric tons to the Moon.

Orion Spacecraft

Crew vehicle designed for deep space missions, with life support for 4 astronauts for up to 21 days.

Human Landing System

SpaceX Starship selected to land astronauts on the lunar surface.

Why Return to the Moon?

• Test technologies for Mars missions
• Study lunar water ice at the south pole
• Establish sustainable human presence in space
• International collaboration (with ESA, JAXA, CSA)