NASA has overhauled its Artemis Moon exploration programme, adding a 2027 docking test mission and postponing the first crewed lunar landing to 2028. Announced in New York, the plan aims to reduce risks, increase mission frequency, and address technical concerns flagged by a safety panel, while potentially enabling two Moon landings in 2028.

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• 2027 mission to test docking of lunar lander in Earth orbit
• Crewed Moon landing now targeted for 2028
• Possibility of two lunar landings in 2028
• Artemis II lunar fly-around delayed until at least April
• Rocket issues: hydrogen fuel leaks, helium flow problems
• Artemis III revised to focus on safer step-by-step approach
• Space Launch System rockets to be standardized
• Docking practice with SpaceX Starship or Blue Origin Blue Moon
• Plan mirrors rapid mission pace of Apollo era
• Safety panel urged scaling back ambitious goals; revised plan addresses concerns