Artemis IV facts for kids
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| Mission type | Crewed Lunar landing |
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| Operator | NASA |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Spacecraft |
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| Manufacturer |
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| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | Early 2028 (planned) |
| Rocket | Space Launch System |
| Launch site | Kennedy, LC-39B |
| End of mission | |
| Landing site | Pacific Ocean (planned) |
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Artemis program
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Artemis IV is an exciting future mission to the Moon. It is planned to be the third time astronauts fly in the NASA Artemis program. This mission will also be the first time humans land on the Moon since the Apollo 17 mission in 1972. NASA is currently aiming for an early 2028 launch.
For the landing, Artemis IV will use a special lunar lander. This lander will either be SpaceX's Starship HLS or Blue Origin's Blue Moon. The lander will launch first, heading towards the Moon. Once it is ready, a powerful Space Launch System (SLS) rocket will launch the Orion spacecraft. Orion will carry four brave astronauts.
If Starship is used, both the lander and Orion will meet and connect in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Starship will then push both spacecraft towards the Moon. If Blue Moon is chosen, the SLS rocket will launch Orion directly towards the Moon. Orion will then connect with the Blue Moon lander in orbit around the Moon.
In either case, two astronauts will move from Orion into the lander. They will then travel down to the Moon's surface. On the Moon, they will perform important activities outside the spacecraft, like exploring. After their work, they will return to the lander and fly back up to Orion. The other two astronauts will be waiting in Orion. Finally, Orion will bring all four astronauts safely back to Earth.
There is also an alternative plan for how the spacecraft could meet. They might connect in a special oval-shaped orbit around the Moon. This orbit would make it easier for the lander to reach the lunar surface. It also helps Orion's European Service Module save fuel.
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Mission History and Changes
The goals for Artemis IV have changed over time. Before October 2022, the mission was simply meant to deliver a module called I-HAB to the Lunar Gateway. The Lunar Gateway is a planned space station orbiting the Moon.
Between October 2022 and February 2026, Artemis IV was planned as the second lunar landing mission. It was supposed to happen after Artemis III. However, in February 2026, the plans changed again. Artemis IV was then set to be the first crewed lunar landing of the program. The Lunar Gateway project was also cancelled in March 2026. This means Artemis IV's main goal is now to land astronauts on the Moon.
Key Parts of the Mission
This mission relies on several amazing pieces of technology. Each one plays a vital role in getting astronauts to the Moon and back.
Space Launch System Rocket
The Space Launch System (SLS) is a giant and very powerful rocket. It is designed to lift heavy spacecraft into space. For Artemis IV, the SLS rocket will launch the Orion spacecraft from Earth. It will send Orion on its way towards the Moon. This mission's main part of the rocket will use four powerful RS-25 engines. This will be the last mission to use a specific upper stage called the Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (ICPS).
Orion Spacecraft: The Astronauts' Ride
The Orion spacecraft is the vehicle that carries the astronauts. It is used for all Artemis missions. Orion has two main parts: the Crew Module and the European Service Module. It will take the crew from Earth to orbit the Moon. There, it will connect with the lunar lander. After the Moon landing, Orion will bring the four astronauts home to Earth.
The European Service Module (ESM) for Artemis IV is called ESM-4. It was built in Bremen, Germany, by Airbus. This important part was delivered to NASA in December 2025.
Human Landing System: Touching Down on the Moon
Artemis IV will use one of two advanced lunar landers. These are SpaceX's Starship HLS or Blue Origin's Blue Moon. The final choice of which lander to use depends on future tests. These tests will happen during the Artemis III mission in mid-2027. They will check how well the landers can meet and connect in orbit. The readiness of each company to provide their spacecraft for the mission will also be a factor.
See also
- List of Artemis missions
- List of missions to the Moon
- Apollo 11, the first lunar landing of the Apollo program
- New Space Race
