Artemis program facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Artemis program

Organization	NASA and partners: ESA, JAXA, DLR, UKSA, ASI, ISA, MBRSC, and CSA
Purpose	Sustainable crewed lunar exploration
Status	Ongoing
Program history
Cost	US$93 billion (2012–2025), $53 billion in 2021–2025
Duration	Since 2017; 9 years ago (2017)
First flight	Artemis I (November 16, 2022)
First crewed flight	Artemis II (April 1, 2026)
Launch site(s)	Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Kennedy Space Center Starbase
Vehicle information
Crewed vehicle(s)	Orion Starship HLS Blue Moon
Crew capacity	4
Launch vehicle(s)	Space Launch System Starship Falcon Heavy New Glenn Commercial launch vehicles

The Artemis program is an exciting space journey led by NASA in the United States. Its main goal is to send humans back to the Moon for the first time since the Apollo program. The program also aims to build a permanent base on the Moon. This amazing project officially began in 2017. Many international partners, like ESA and JAXA, are helping NASA make this dream a reality.

Among the main parts of Artemis are hardware from the Space Shuttle. This includes the Space Launch System's (SLS) core stage and its engines. The Orion spacecraft is also a key part. Other elements, like the Human Landing System (HLS), are being built by private space companies. Countries working together follow rules set by the Artemis Accords.

The uncrewed Artemis I mission sent an Orion spacecraft to lunar orbit in 2022. Artemis II sent four astronauts on a trip around the Moon in 2026. This was the first crewed flight beyond low Earth orbit since the Apollo program. Artemis III, planned for late 2027, will test a lunar lander in Earth orbit. Artemis IV, set for early 2028, is planned to be the first crewed Moon landing since Apollo. Starting with Artemis V, planned for late 2028, NASA hopes to land on the Moon every year. This will help build a permanent Moon base. It's a big step towards sending humans to Mars.

Exploring the Moon: The Artemis Program

The Artemis program is designed with a series of missions. Each mission is a bit more complex than the last. NASA and its partners have planned missions from Artemis I to Artemis V. More missions are also being thought about for the future.

Every main mission uses a powerful Space Launch System (SLS) rocket. This rocket carries the Orion spacecraft into space. Missions after Artemis II also get help from other spacecraft and groups.

The main parts of Artemis are the SLS rocket, the Orion capsule, and the Human Landing System (HLS). Other important parts include special services for cargo, ground systems, a Moon base, and new spacesuits.

The first launch of Orion on the SLS was Artemis I. This uncrewed mission flew on November 16, 2022. It carried mannequins and robots into space. The first crewed mission, Artemis II, flew on April 1, 2026. It took four astronauts on a trip around the Moon. Artemis III is planned for late 2027. It will test a lunar lander in Earth orbit. Artemis IV, set for early 2028, will be the first crewed Moon landing since the Apollo missions. After Artemis V, planned for late 2028, NASA hopes to land on the Moon every year. This will help build a permanent Moon base. It's a big step towards sending humans to Mars.

Artemis Missions: Step by Step

• Artemis I (November 16, 2022) was the first test flight. It carried no crew. This mission tested the SLS rocket, the Orion spacecraft, and its service module. Orion flew into orbit around the Moon for about six days. Then it returned to Earth and landed in the Pacific Ocean. The mission was a big success.
• Artemis II (April 1, 2026) was the first crewed test flight. Four astronauts flew on the SLS and Orion. They tested the spacecraft in Earth orbit. Then, Orion flew around the Moon and returned to Earth. This mission was similar to early Apollo flights.
• Artemis III (late 2027) is planned to be the second crewed mission. Astronauts will launch on SLS/Orion. They will meet and connect with a lunar lander in Earth orbit. This lander will be launched separately by a private company. They will also test new spacesuits.
• Artemis IV (early 2028) is planned to be the first American crewed Moon landing since 1972. A separate flight will place a lander in lunar orbit first. Astronauts will transfer to this lander to go down to the Moon's surface. They will explore and then return to Orion in orbit. Orion will bring them back to Earth.
• Artemis V (late 2028) is planned as the second crewed Moon landing. This mission is also when NASA expects to start building its Moon base.

The Journey to Artemis: A Look Back

An artist's idea of a lunar lander (left) and Orion spacecraft from an earlier program.

The Artemis program uses ideas and parts from older NASA programs. One important program was called Constellation.

The Constellation program started in 2005. It aimed to develop new rockets and the Orion spacecraft. However, in 2009, a committee found that Constellation did not have enough money. They said a Moon landing by 2020 was not possible. So, the Constellation program was stopped.

In 2010, President Barack Obama announced new plans for NASA. He canceled parts of Constellation, but kept the Orion spacecraft. He also called for a new powerful rocket. This rocket would be ready by 2015. The goal was to send crewed missions to Mars by the mid-2030s.

Later in 2010, a new law required NASA to build the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and the Orion spacecraft. These would support missions beyond Earth orbit. The law also supported working with private space companies.

In 2017, President Donald Trump brought back the National Space Council. His administration supported the existing human spaceflight programs. These included the SLS and Orion.

Artemis Gets Its Name

On December 11, 2017, President Trump signed a new space policy. It called for the U.S. to lead a program to return humans to the Moon. This would be followed by missions to Mars. The policy encouraged working with private companies and international partners.

This new lunar program was later named Artemis. It used parts from older U.S. programs. These included the Orion space capsule and the idea of a space station near the Moon. It also created the new Human Landing System program. The SLS rocket was chosen to launch Orion. Other parts of the program would use commercial rockets.

The Orion capsule in the Pacific Ocean after its first test flight in 2014.

In March 2019, Vice President Mike Pence announced a faster goal. He wanted a Moon landing by 2024. On May 16, 2019, NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine named the program Artemis. Artemis is the goddess of the Moon in Greek mythology. She is the twin sister of Apollo. NASA's 1960s Moon landing program was named Apollo.

In February 2020, the White House asked for more money for Artemis. This was for the 2021 budget. However, in July 2020, the House Appropriations Committee did not approve the full amount.

In April 2020, NASA gave money to three companies. These were Blue Origin, Dynetics, and SpaceX. They would study designs for the HLS.

On February 4, 2021, the Biden administration supported the Artemis program. However, NASA leaders said the 2024 Moon landing goal might not be possible.

On April 16, 2021, NASA chose SpaceX to build and fly two lunar landing missions. Blue Origin and Dynetics disagreed with this choice. They filed protests and a lawsuit. The lawsuit was dismissed on November 4, 2021. NASA then continued working with SpaceX.

An audit in November 2021 estimated the cost of Artemis. It was about $93 billion until 2025. NASA later decided to encourage more companies to develop lunar landers. This was to ensure more options and competition.

Artemis Missions: What Has Happened and What's Next

Orion Test Flights

Orion had several important test flights.

• The Pad Abort-1 test on May 6, 2010, showed that Orion's launch abort system worked. This system can pull the crew capsule away from a rocket in an emergency.
• The Exploration Flight Test-1 happened on December 5, 2014. A prototype Orion capsule flew on a Delta IV Heavy rocket. It went into Earth orbit and then returned with a fast re-entry. This tested its heat shield and other parts.
• The Ascent Abort-2 test on July 2, 2019, proved the system could pull the capsule away during launch. This happened at the point of highest air pressure.

Artemis I: Uncrewed Journey to the Moon (2022)

The Orion capsule after landing in the Pacific Ocean on December 11, 2022.

Artemis I launched successfully on November 16, 2022. It took off from the Kennedy Space Center. This mission was delayed several times due to repairs and weather.

Artemis I finished on December 11, 2022. The Orion spacecraft landed in the Pacific Ocean. It traveled over 1.4 million miles (2.2 million kilometers) around the Moon. This record-breaking mission returned safely to Earth. The splashdown happened exactly 50 years after Apollo 17, the last human mission to land on the Moon.

Artemis II: Crewed Flyby of the Moon (2026)

The four astronauts of the Artemis II mission.

Artemis II launched on April 1, 2026. It was the first crewed test flight of the SLS and Orion. Four astronauts were on board. They tested the spacecraft in Earth orbit. Then, Orion flew around the Moon and returned to Earth. The mission concluded on April 11, 2026, when the capsule landed in the Pacific Ocean.

Artemis III: Preparing for Landing (Planned Late 2027)

Artemis III is planned to be the second crewed Artemis mission. Astronauts will launch on SLS/Orion. They will meet and connect with a lunar lander in Earth orbit. This lander will be launched separately by a private company. They will also test new spacesuits.

Artemis IV: First Moon Landing (Planned Early 2028)

Artemis IV is planned to be the first American crewed lunar landing since 1972. A separate flight will place a lander in lunar orbit first. Astronauts will transfer to this lander to go down to the Moon's surface. They will explore and then return to Orion in orbit. Orion will bring them back to Earth.

Artemis V: Building the Moon Base (Planned Late 2028)

Artemis V is planned as the second crewed Moon landing. This mission is also when NASA expects to start building its Moon base.

Helping Artemis Succeed

Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS)

This program helps send robotic landers and rovers to the Moon. Private companies build and operate these missions. They carry scientific tools and supplies for future human missions.

Artemis Accords

The Artemis Accords are a set of agreements. They guide how countries will explore the Moon and space peacefully. Many nations have signed these accords. They agree to share information and help each other.

Exploration Ground Systems (EGS)

EGS is in charge of all the ground equipment. This includes the launch pad, control centers, and rockets. They make sure everything is ready for launch at Kennedy Space Center.

Rockets That Power Artemis

The main rockets for Artemis are the Space Launch System (SLS) for the Orion spacecraft. Other rockets like the Falcon Heavy and Starship also help. They launch different parts of the program, like lunar landers and cargo.

Space Launch System (SLS)

The Space Launch System (SLS) is NASA's most powerful rocket. It is designed to carry astronauts and cargo far beyond Earth. The SLS has different versions. The Block 1 version launched Artemis I and Artemis II. It is a key part of sending humans to the Moon.

SpaceX Starship

The SpaceX Starship is a very large, reusable rocket system. It is still being developed. It has a first-stage booster called Super Heavy. The second stage is also called Starship. It will have different versions for different jobs. One version, Starship HLS, is designed just for landing on the Moon. Other Starship versions can carry crews and cargo. The first Starship launch was on April 20, 2023.

Space Vehicles for Artemis

Orion Spacecraft

NASA's Orion spacecraft undergoing final tests.

Orion is a partially reusable spacecraft. It is used in the Artemis program. It has a Crew Module (CM) built by Lockheed Martin. It also has a European Service Module (ESM). Orion can carry up to six astronauts beyond low Earth orbit. It has solar panels and an automatic docking system. Orion is mainly launched by the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket.

Orion was first thought of for an older NASA program. After that program was canceled, Orion was redesigned. The SLS became its main rocket. The first flight-ready Orion capsule launched on Artemis I on November 16, 2022.

Human Landing System (HLS)

The Human Landing System (HLS) is a spacecraft designed to take astronauts from lunar orbit to the Moon's surface. It will also bring them back to orbit. Private companies are building these landers for NASA. SpaceX's Starship HLS is one of the main designs.

Lunar Gateway (Planned but Canceled)

An image of the planned Lunar Gateway space station.

The Lunar Gateway was a planned small space station. It would orbit the Moon. It was meant to be a stopping point for astronauts on their way to the lunar surface. However, the plans for the Lunar Gateway were later canceled.

Planned Moon Operations

An artist's idea of an Artemis astronaut wearing a new spacesuit on the Moon.

The Artemis Base Camp will support missions lasting up to two months. It will help test technologies for future Moon or Mars bases. This base will have three main parts:

1. Surface Habitat (SH) modules: These are the first homes for astronauts on the Moon.
2. Lunar Terrain Vehicle (LTV): This is an open rover. It will carry astronauts and cargo around the base.
3. Pressurized Rovers (PR): These are closed vehicles. They will allow astronauts to explore farther from the base for many days.

Getting Around on the Moon

Landing Zones

In 2022, NASA chose 13 possible landing areas. These are all near the Moon's South Pole. This area is interesting because it might have water ice.

Ground Transportation

NASA's design for the Lunar Terrain Vehicle.

NASA needs a Lunar Terrain Vehicle (LTV). This rover will be sent to the Moon before astronauts arrive. It will carry crews around their exploration site. It will be similar to the rovers used in the Apollo missions.

NASA wants the LTV to carry 800 kg of cargo. It should travel up to 20 km without recharging. It also needs to survive the cold lunar night.

On April 3, 2024, NASA announced three companies chosen to develop the LTV. These are Intuitive Machines, Lunar Outpost, and Venturi Astrolab. They are working on designs for this important vehicle.

Building Shelter on the Moon

An artist's view of the Artemis Base Camp.

The Artemis Base Camp (ABC) is the first planned Moon base. It will be built in the late 2020s. The base will be near the Shackleton and de Gerlache craters at the South Pole. This area has interesting geography and is believed to have water ice.

Foundational Surface Habitat

A picture of the Foundational Surface Habitat.

The Surface Habitat (SH) modules will be the first homes on the Moon. They will be built and launched by private companies in the early 2030s. The SH will be sent to the Moon and landed by a commercial lander. It will then connect to a power system. The Italian Space Agency is working on a module that might become the second part of the Artemis Base Camp.

Exploring and Researching Resources

During a Phase 1 Artemis mission, astronauts will stay on the Moon for about seven days. They will do five spacewalks (EVAs).

On Day 1, astronauts will land and prepare for their first spacewalk. On Day 2, they will do EVA 1 for six hours. They will collect samples and set up experiments near the landing site.

On Day 3, EVA 2 will take them farther from the landing site. They will explore areas that are always in shadow. These areas might hold water ice. Day 4 is a rest day.

On Day 5, EVA 3 will involve collecting samples from other areas. Day 6 will be for setting up tools to study lunar resources. The final EVA on Day 7 will be shorter. It will focus on preparing to leave the Moon. After this, astronauts will return to the lander and launch back to orbit.

Pressurized Rover ("Mobile Habitat")

NASA's Habitable Mobility Platform, an early design for a pressurized rover.

The Pressurized Rover (PR) is a large, closed vehicle. It will let astronauts travel long distances and live for many days on the Moon. NASA has developed several designs for these rovers.

On April 9, 2024, JAXA (Japan's space agency) and NASA signed an agreement. Japan will design and build a pressurized rover. In return, NASA will launch the rover to the Moon. NASA will also provide seats for two Japanese astronauts to land on the Moon. This rover is planned to hold two astronauts for up to 30 days. NASA plans to use it from Artemis VII missions onwards.

Spacesuits for Moonwalkers

Christina Koch in the OCSS (Orion Crew Survival System)

Jenni Gibbons tests the AxEMU (Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit)

The Artemis program uses two types of space suit. These were first shown in October 2019. One is for launch and re-entry, called the Orion Crew Survival System (OCSS). The other is for walking on the Moon, called the next-generation extravehicular mobility unit (EMU).

The OCSS suits are bright orange. They are a safety system for the Orion spacecraft. They can provide air for up to 144 hours if the cabin loses pressure. Each suit is custom-fitted and has flotation devices for landing in the ocean.

NASA faced delays in developing its own Moon spacewalk suit. So, in 2022, NASA chose Axiom Space and Collins Aerospace to develop commercial lunar spacesuits. Collins later left the contract in 2024.

Development has focused on the Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU). This suit went through important design reviews and testing in 2024. By February 2026, the suit passed internal reviews. It was also tested underwater. The first flight unit is now being built. NASA plans to test the AxEMU on the International Space Station in 2027. Astronauts will also use an AxEMU on Artemis III to test it with the lunar lander.

See also

In Spanish: Programa Artemis para niños