Artemis program facts for kids
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| Country | United States |
|---|---|
| Organization | NASA and partners: ESA, JAXA, DLR, UKSA, ASI, ISA, MBRSC, KARI, 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 |
| First flight | Artemis I (November 16, 2022) |
| First crewed flight | Artemis II (April 1, 2026) |
| Launch site(s) | |
| Vehicle information | |
| Crewed vehicle(s) |
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| Crew capacity | 4 |
| Launch vehicle(s) |
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The Artemis program is a big plan by NASA (the United States' space agency) to explore the Moon. It officially started in 2017. The main goal is to send humans back to the Moon by 2028. This will be the first time since the Apollo 17 mission in 1972. NASA also plans to build a permanent base on the Moon in the 2030s. This base will help us prepare for missions to Mars and other distant places in space.
The Artemis program uses parts from older space projects. These include pieces from the Space Shuttle, like the main stage and engines of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket. It also uses the Orion spacecraft, which was part of the canceled Constellation program. New parts, like the Human Landing System (HLS), are being built by private companies. Many countries are working together on Artemis, following agreements called the Artemis Accords. NASA had planned a space station around the Moon called the Lunar Gateway, but this project was canceled in March 2026. Instead, the focus is now on building a Moon base.
Artemis I was an uncrewed mission that orbited the Moon in 2022. It was a great success! On April 1, 2026, Artemis II launched four astronauts on a trip around the Moon. This was the first time humans traveled so far into space since Apollo 17. The next mission, Artemis III, is planned for 2027. It will test a lunar lander in Earth orbit. The first Moon landing of the program is now planned for Artemis IV in early 2028. After that, NASA hopes to land on the Moon every year to build the permanent base.
Contents
How the Artemis Program Works
The Artemis program has 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 might be added later. For each main mission, an SLS rocket launches an Orion spacecraft. After Artemis II, other spacecraft and organizations will also help with support missions. There's even an idea called Lunar Codex to send cultural items from around the world to the Moon.
The main parts of Artemis are the SLS rocket, the Orion spacecraft, and the Human Landing System (HLS). Other important parts include services for sending cargo to the Moon, ground systems, the Artemis Base Camp, a Lunar Terrain Vehicle (Moon car), and special spacesuits.
The first launch of Orion on the SLS rocket was planned for 2016. It was delayed many times. Finally, Artemis I launched on November 16, 2022. It carried mannequins and robots. The crewed Artemis II mission, which flew around the Moon, launched on April 1, 2026. Artemis III (testing in Earth orbit) is planned for mid-2027. Artemis IV (first lunar landing) is set for early 2028. Artemis V (another lunar landing) is planned for late 2028. NASA hopes to have about one Moon landing every year after that.
SLS Missions: Step by Step
- Artemis I (November 16, 2022) was the first test flight without a crew. It used the SLS rocket, Orion spacecraft, and ESM. Orion flew into a special orbit around the Moon for about six days. Then it returned to Earth and splashed down in the Pacific Ocean. The mission was a success. However, Orion's heat shield wore down more than expected during reentry.
- Artemis II (April 1, 2026) was the first test flight with a crew. Four astronauts are performing many tests in Earth orbit. Orion will then be boosted into a path around the Moon. This path will bring Orion back to Earth for reentry and splashdown. This mission is like Apollo 8, but Artemis II will fly farther from the Moon.
- Artemis III (mid-2027) is planned to be the second crewed Artemis mission. The crew will launch on SLS/Orion. They will practice connecting with lunar landers in low Earth orbit. These landers are SpaceX's Starship HLS and Blue Origin's Blue Moon. The crew will also test a new space suit called the Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU). This mission is similar to Apollo 9.
- Artemis IV (early 2028) is planned to be the first American crewed Moon landing since Apollo 17 in 1972. This mission will use a new version of the SLS rocket. A separate flight will first place a lander in lunar orbit. After arriving, astronauts will move to the lander to go down to the Moon's surface. They will do at least two spacewalks. Then they will return to lunar orbit to meet Orion. Orion will bring the four astronauts back to Earth.
- Artemis V (late 2028) is planned to be the second crewed Moon landing. This mission is also when NASA expects to start building its Moon base.
Support Missions for Artemis
Support missions send robots, parts for the Moon base, and Human Landing System vehicles. Most of these missions are done by private companies working with NASA.
The Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program uses robotic landers. These landers launch on commercial rockets and deliver equipment to the Moon. CLPS flights started in 2024. They first carried scientific tools. They will continue throughout the Artemis program to help astronauts. This includes delivering parts for the Moon base, Moon rovers, and other surface equipment.
The Human Landing System (HLS) vehicles are being developed by SpaceX (with Starship HLS) and Blue Origin (with Blue Moon). These vehicles will carry astronauts from lunar orbit to the Moon's surface. They will support astronauts during their time on the Moon. Then they will return them to lunar orbit. These landers will launch separately from Orion on commercial rockets, not the SLS.
The Lunar Gateway space station was planned to help Orion spacecraft dock. It would also host cargo modules and help with Moon operations. However, the Lunar Gateway program was canceled in March 2026. It is no longer part of the Artemis mission plans.
History of the Artemis Program
How Artemis Began
The Artemis program uses many ideas and parts from earlier NASA programs that were canceled. These include the Constellation program and the Asteroid Redirect Mission.
The Constellation program was created in 2005. It aimed to develop the Ares I and Ares V rockets and the Orion spacecraft. In 2009, President Barack Obama created a committee to review space plans. This committee looked at supporting the International Space Station, missions beyond Earth orbit (like to the Moon and Mars), and using private space companies. The committee found that the Constellation program did not have enough money. It said a Moon landing by 2020 was not possible. So, Constellation was put on hold.
In April 2010, President Obama spoke at the Kennedy Space Center. He announced new plans for NASA and canceled parts of Constellation (except Orion). He said the program was not working. He suggested adding US$6 billion in funding. He also called for a new heavy-lift rocket program to be ready by 2015. This would support crewed missions to Mars by the mid-2030s.
In October 2010, President Obama signed a law called the NASA Authorization Act of 2010. This law required the immediate development of the SLS rocket and the Orion spacecraft. These would support missions beyond Earth orbit starting in 2016. The law also used workers and equipment from the Space Shuttle program and Constellation program. It invested in new space technologies and robotics. It also continued to support commercial space services.
In June 2017, President Donald Trump signed an order to bring back the National Space Council. This council was led by Vice President Mike Pence. The government's first budget kept Obama-era human spaceflight programs. These included commercial cargo and crew services, the Space Launch System, and the Orion spacecraft.
Naming the Artemis Program
On December 11, 2017, President Trump signed Space Policy Directive 1. This policy called for the U.S. to lead a program to send humans back to the Moon. After that, missions to Mars and beyond would follow. The policy asked the NASA administrator to "lead an innovative and sustainable program of exploration." This would involve private and international partners. The goal was to expand human presence in the Solar System and bring back new knowledge. This effort aimed to better organize government, private industry, and international work. The goal was to return humans to the Moon and work towards exploration of Mars.
Space Policy Directive 1 approved the Moon-focused plan, which was later named Artemis. It used older U.S. programs like the Orion space capsule, the Lunar Gateway space station, and Commercial Lunar Payload Services. It also created the new Human Landing System program. The Space Launch System was expected to be the main rocket for Orion. Commercial rockets would launch other parts of the program.
In March 2019, officials announced that the Moon landing goal would be moved up by four years, aiming for 2024. In May 2019, NASA announced that the new program would be named Artemis. This name comes from the Greek goddess of the Moon. Artemis is the twin sister of Apollo, after whom NASA's 1960s Moon landing program was named. Missions to Mars by the 2030s were still planned.
In mid-2019, NASA asked for US$1.6 billion more for Artemis for the 2020 budget year. The Senate Appropriations Committee asked NASA for a five-year budget plan. This was needed for review and approval by Congress.
In February 2020, the government asked for a 12% funding increase for the Artemis program. The total budget would have been US$25.2 billion per year. US$3.7 billion was for the Human Landing System. However, in July 2020, the House Appropriations Committee did not approve the full amount. The bill proposed in the House only gave US$700 million for the Human Landing System.
In April 2020, NASA gave money to Blue Origin, Dynetics, and SpaceX. This was for 10-month studies to design the HLS.
In February 2021, the new government supported the Artemis program. However, NASA officials mentioned budget concerns. They clarified that "The 2024 lunar landing goal may no longer be a realistic target."
In April 2021, NASA chose SpaceX to build and fly two lunar landing missions with the Starship HLS lander. Blue Origin and Dynetics disagreed with this choice. They filed protests. After the protests were rejected, Blue Origin sued NASA. NASA agreed to pause work on the contract until November 1 while the lawsuit continued. A judge decided against the lawsuit on November 4. NASA then restarted work with SpaceX.
In November 2021, an official report estimated the true cost of the Artemis program. It was about $93 billion until 2025.
NASA also awarded other contracts in May 2019 and September 2021. These were for different parts of the HLS. This was to encourage other designs. In March 2022, NASA announced new rules for sustainability. It also pursued a Starship HLS upgrade and new competing designs. This came after some members of Congress worried about a lack of backup plans and competition. NASA then asked for more support.
Artemis Missions
| Mission and patch | Launch date | Crew | Lander vehicle | Duration | Goal | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Artemis I |
November 16, 2022 | N/A | N/A | 25 days | Uncrewed lunar orbit and return | Success |
Artemis II |
April 1, 2026 | N/A | 10 days | Crewed lunar flyby | In Earth orbit | |
| Artemis III | Mid-2027 | TBA | Blue Moon and/or Starship HLS | TBA | Crewed test of HLS in low Earth orbit | Planned |
| Artemis IV | Early 2028 | TBA | Blue Moon or Starship HLS | ~30 days | Lunar landing | Planned |
| Artemis V | Late 2028 | TBA | Blue Moon or Starship HLS | ~30 days | Lunar landing, begin moonbase construction | Planned |
Orion Test Flights
A test version of the Orion Crew Module launched on Exploration Flight Test-1 on December 5, 2014. It flew on a Delta IV Heavy rocket. Its control systems were tested during two orbits around Earth. It reached a height of 5,800 kilometers (3,600 miles). It also passed through the Van Allen radiation belts. Then it made a fast reentry at 32,000 kilometers per hour (20,000 mph).
The Ascent Abort-2 test happened on July 2, 2019. It tested the launch abort system. This system helps astronauts escape if there's a problem during launch. It used a test Orion capsule weighing 10,000 kg (22,000 lb).
Artemis I Mission (2022)
Artemis I was first planned for late 2016. After many delays, it was set for late 2021. Then the launch date was pushed to August 29, 2022. More delays happened due to repairs and weather.
In October 2022, NASA decided on a new launch date in November. This was also slightly delayed. On November 16, 2022, at 1:47:44 AM EST, Artemis I successfully launched from the Kennedy Space Center.
Artemis I finished on December 11, 2022. The Orion spacecraft splashed down in the Pacific Ocean. It landed west of Baja California. This record-breaking mission traveled over 1.4 million miles (2.3 million km) around the Moon. It returned safely to Earth. The splashdown happened exactly 50 years after NASA's Apollo 17 Moon landing. That was the last human mission to land on the Moon.
Artemis II Mission (2026)
Artemis II was an exciting nine-day space mission. It launched on April 1, 2026, and took four astronauts on a journey around the Moon. This was the first time humans traveled beyond Earth's close orbit since 1972! It was also the first crewed flight for NASA's Artemis program. The mission used the powerful Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and the Orion spacecraft, which the crew named Integrity.
This mission was a crucial test. It helped prepare for future Artemis missions that aim to land astronauts on the Moon again. Artemis II's goals were similar to the historic Apollo 8 mission in 1968. That mission was the first time humans flew around the Moon. Artemis II followed a special path called a free-return trajectory, much like Apollo 13 did in 1970.
The crew made history in many ways. Victor Glover became the first person of color to travel near the Moon. Christina Koch was the first woman to do so. Jeremy Hansen, from the Canadian Space Agency, was the first non-U.S. citizen. Commander Reid Wiseman was the oldest person on this journey. During their trip, the crew broke the record for the farthest human distance from Earth, traveling over 252,756 miles!Artemis III Mission (2027)
Artemis IV Mission (Early 2028)
Artemis V Mission (Late 2028)
Supporting Programs
Commercial Lunar Payload Services
Artemis Accords
Exploration Ground Systems (EGS)
Rockets for Launching from Earth
NASA's plans for Artemis missions use several rockets. The NASA Space Launch System is for the Orion spacecraft. The Falcon Heavy rocket is for various parts that were planned for the Lunar Gateway. The Starship HLS will deliver the HLS vehicle. Other SpaceX Starships might be used later for crew or cargo. More rockets will also be used for CLPS cargo services. The European Ariane 6 rocket has also been suggested to be part of the program.
The Power and Propulsion Element (PPE) module and the Habitation and Logistics Outpost (HALO) were once planned for the SLS Block 1B. They will now fly together on a Falcon Heavy in 2027. The Gateway was planned to be supported by about 28 commercial cargo missions. These would launch on different commercial rockets. The Gateway Logistics Services (GLS) was in charge of these resupply missions. GLS also contracted for a resupply vehicle called Dragon XL. This vehicle could stay docked to the Gateway for one year. It would provide its own power and dispose of itself at the end of its mission.
In May 2019, the plan was to send parts of a crewed lunar lander to the Gateway. This would happen on commercial launchers before the first crewed mission, Artemis III, arrived. Another idea was for the HLS and Orion to connect directly.
As late as mid-2019, NASA thought about using Delta IV Heavy and Falcon Heavy rockets. This was for launching a crewed Orion mission if the SLS was delayed. But because it would be too complicated to switch rockets, NASA decided to use only the SLS to launch astronauts.
| Launch vehicle |
Missions | Payload | Estimated cost per launch |
First launch | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LEO | TLI | ||||
| Space Launch System | Crew transportation | 95 t | 27 t | US$2 billion | November 16, 2022 |
| Starship | Starship HLS | 200 t | 200 t | US$2 million (goal) | April 20, 2023 |
| New Glenn | Blue Moon | 45 t | 7 t | $68 million | January 16, 2025 |
LEO: Low Earth Orbit
TLI: Trans-Lunar Injection
Space Launch System
The Space Launch System (SLS) is a super powerful NASA rocket. It's designed to carry very heavy things, like big spacecraft, far into space. The SLS is the strongest rocket ever built! It took the place of the old Space Shuttle. Many parts of the SLS are updated versions of parts from the Space Shuttle, while other parts are brand new.
The first time the SLS was planned to fly was in June 2020. However, the first flight with astronauts (carrying people) was planned for January 2023.SpaceX Starship
The SpaceX Starship system is a very powerful rocket system. It is designed to be fully reusable. It has two main parts: a first-stage booster called Super-Heavy and a second-stage space vehicle called Starship. There will be different versions of the Starship. A Starship HLS mission will use three types: a tanker, a fuel storage unit, and the Starship HLS itself. The HLS version is only for landing on the Moon and taking off. Some Starship versions can return to Earth for reuse.
The second-stage Starships are complete spacecraft. They have their own engines. The full Starship system, using standard Starship versions, plans to launch crews and cargo. This will help with the Artemis program and other NASA and SpaceX projects.
The SpaceX Starship can also be used for Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) launches. In 2021, it won the NASA contract for a crewed lunar landing.
Space Vehicles
Orion Spacecraft
Orion is a type of partially reusable spacecraft. It is used in the Artemis program. The spacecraft has a Crew Module (CM) designed by Lockheed Martin. It also has a European Service Module (ESM) made by Airbus Defence and Space. Orion can carry six astronauts beyond low Earth orbit. It has solar panels, an automatic docking system, and digital displays like those in a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. It uses an AJ10 engine for its main power. It also has other engines for control. Orion is mainly designed to launch on a Space Launch System (SLS) rocket. It has a tower to help astronauts escape if there's an emergency during launch.
Lockheed Martin first thought of Orion as a proposal for the Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV). This was for NASA's Constellation program. After that program was canceled in 2010, Orion was changed a lot. It was redesigned for NASA's Journey to Mars plan, later called Moon to Mars. The SLS replaced the Ares I as Orion's main rocket. The service module was replaced with a design based on the European Space Agency's Automated Transfer Vehicle. A test version of Orion's CM launched in 2014 during Exploration Flight Test-1. By 2022, three flight-ready Orion crew modules were built. An extra one was ordered for the Artemis program. The first of these launched on November 16, 2022, as Artemis I.
Human Landing System (HLS)
Lunar Gateway (Cancelled)
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The Lunar Gateway, often just called Gateway, is a space station that will orbit the Moon. It's like a small space outpost for astronauts. The Gateway will be a communication hub, a science lab, and a living space. It's a key part of the Artemis program, which aims to send humans back to the Moon.
Many countries are working together on this project. These include NASA (USA), the European Space Agency (ESA), the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) from the UAE. The Gateway will be the first space station built far beyond low Earth orbit.
Scientists plan to study many things from the Gateway. This includes the Moon itself, distant stars and galaxies, and even our own Earth. They will also study the Sun's effects and how humans can live and work in deep space. As of April 2024, the first parts of the station are being built. Experts believe the Gateway is very important for future human missions to the Moon, Mars, and deeper into the Solar System.
The Gateway will play a big role in the Artemis program after 2024. NASA has set aside a lot of money for the project. While NASA leads the effort, it's a team project with its international and commercial partners. The station will be a starting point for both robotic and human missions to the lunar south pole. It's also planned as a stop for future trips to Mars.Planned Moon Activities
The Artemis Base Camp will support missions lasting up to two months. It will be used to test technologies for future Moon or Mars bases. Later, permanent modules might be used for decades by both government and private programs. It will likely be a place already visited by robotic missions. The base will have three main parts:
- The Surface Habitat (SH) modules: This is the first living structure and home for the first people on the Moon.
- The Lunar Terrain Vehicle (LTV): This is an open rover for carrying astronauts in their suits and cargo around the base.
- The Pressurized Rovers (PR): These are enclosed vehicles with small backup living areas. They will allow longer explorations, tens of kilometers away from the base.
Getting Around on the Moon
Landing Zones
In 2022, NASA found 13 possible areas near the Moon's South Pole. These are for the first landing and exploration missions.
Developing Moon Transportation
In February 2020, NASA asked for ideas for both crewed and uncrewed open surface rovers. The uncrewed one, the Lunar Terrain Vehicle (LTV), would be sent ahead by a CLPS vehicle before the Artemis III mission. It would carry crews around the exploration site. It would work like the Apollo Lunar Roving Vehicle. In July 2020, NASA created an office for the rover at the Johnson Space Center.
NASA needs an LTV that can carry 800 kg (1,760 lb) of cargo. It should travel up to 20 km (12 miles) without recharging. It needs to work for 8 hours within a 24-hour period. It must survive the lunar night. It also needs to drive on slopes as steep as 20 degrees.
In April 2024, NASA announced three companies chosen to develop the LTV. These were Intuitive Machines, Lunar Outpost, and Venturi Astrolab. They are in a 12-month phase to study and demonstrate their ideas.
Building Shelters
The Artemis Base Camp is the planned Moon base. It will be built at the end of the 2020s. The base camp will be in the South Pole region. It will be near the Shackleton and de Gerlache craters. This area has many different types of lunar land. It also has a lot of water ice in the crater floors. This area follows the rules of the Outer Space Treaty.
Foundational Surface Habitat
Most information about the Surface Habitat (SH) modules comes from studies. It will be built and launched by private companies in the early 2030s. It will launch with the Pressurized Vehicle (PV). The SH was once called the Artemis Surface Asset. Earlier launch plans showed it would land on the surface like the HLS. The SH would be sent to the Gateway (which was later canceled). Then it would attach to a descent stage. It would then be carried to the Moon's surface by a commercial launcher and lander. It would use the same lunar transfer stage as the HLS. Other designs from 2019 imagined it launching directly on an SLS Block 1B as one unit. It would then connect to a power system launched by a CLPS mission. The Artemis VI crew would test it. The Italian Space Agency signed a contract in late 2023 for the Multi Purpose Habitation module. This might become the second module for the Artemis Base Camp.
Finding Resources and Research
As of February 2020, a Moon stay during a Phase 1 Artemis mission will be about seven days. It will include five extravehicular activities (EVAs), or spacewalks. A possible plan would be: On Day 1, astronauts land but don't do a spacewalk. They prepare for the next day's spacewalk.
On Day 2, astronauts open the Human Landing System hatch for EVA 1. This spacewalk will be six hours long. They will collect a sample, do public activities, set up experiments, and gather more samples. Astronauts will stay close to the landing site on this first spacewalk. EVA 2 begins on Day 3. Astronauts will study and collect samples from permanently shadowed regions. Unlike the first spacewalk, they will go farther from the landing site, up to 2 km (1.2 miles). They will also go up and down slopes of 20°.
Day 4 will not have a spacewalk, but Day 5 will. EVA 3 might include collecting samples from an area where material was thrown out by an impact. Day 6 will have two astronauts set up a soil instrument. They will also set up an environmental station for in-situ resource utilization (ISRU). This means using resources found on the Moon. Day 7 will have the final and shortest spacewalk. This EVA will last one hour. It will mostly involve preparing for the trip back from the Moon. This includes getting rid of unneeded equipment. After the last spacewalk, astronauts will return to the Human Landing System. The vehicle will launch from the surface and meet up with Orion.
Pressurized Rover ("Mobile Habitat")
The Pressurized Rover (PR) is a large, enclosed vehicle. It allows crews to travel long distances and live for many days. NASA had developed several pressurized rovers. One was called the Space Exploration Vehicle (SEV). This rover was built for the Constellation program. It was made and tested. In the 2020 flight plan, it was called the "Mobile Habitat." This suggests it could be like the ILREC Lunar Bus. It would be ready for the crew to use on the surface. It could also be controlled remotely from the Gateway (which was canceled) or other places.
Mark Kirasich, a NASA director, said the current plan is to work with JAXA (Japan's space agency) and Toyota. They will develop a closed cabin rover. This rover would support crews for up to 14 days. It is currently known as Lunar Cruiser. He said it is very important to involve JAXA in a major surface project. The Japanese auto industry is very interested in rovers. So, the idea was to let the Japanese lead the development of a pressurized rover.
In April 2024, JAXA and NASA signed an agreement. Japan will join the pressurized rover project. They will design, develop, and operate a rover for Moon exploration. In return, NASA will launch and deliver the rover to the Moon. NASA will also provide seats for two Japanese astronauts to land on the Moon. These astronauts would be the first non-Americans to land on the Moon. The pressurized rover is planned to hold two astronauts for up to 30 days outside. NASA plans to use this rover from Artemis VII and later missions, for about 10 years.
Spacesuits for Artemis
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The Artemis program will use two types of space suit. They were first shown in October 2019. One is the Orion Crew Survival System (OCSS) for launch and reentry. The other is a new generation extravehicular mobility unit (EMU) for spacewalks. In August 2021, an official report concluded that the Exploration Extravehicular Mobility Unit (xEMU) NASA was developing would not be ready until April 2025. This would likely delay a Moon landing mission.
Because of this, NASA asked for ideas for commercially-developed lunar spacesuits. In June 2022, NASA chose Axiom Space and Collins Aerospace to develop suits. In June 2024, Collins announced it would leave the contract. Development continued with Axiom's lunar suit, called the AxEMU (Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit). This suit entered important design review and testing phases in 2024.
By February 2026, the AxEMU passed internal reviews. It was undergoing more evaluation by NASA. The first flight unit was being put together. This followed tests of its pressure and movement underwater.
See also
In Spanish: Programa Artemis para niños
- Apollo program
- Chandrayaan programme - Indian Lunar Exploration Program
- Chinese Lunar Exploration Program – Chinese Moon program
- Colonization of the Moon
- List of Artemis Astronauts
- Commercial Crew Development
- Deep Space Transport
- International Lunar Research Station
- List of crewed spacecraft
- List of missions to the Moon
- NASA Astronaut Group 23
- Space policy of the United States
- Coordinated Lunar Time
