NASA on February 27, 2026 announced a major overhaul of its Artemis Moon programme, adding a 2027 Earth-orbit docking test before landing astronauts. The move comes amid safety concerns and growing competition from China’s 2030 crewed Moon goal.

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• New Artemis mission in 2027 to test spacecraft docking in Earth orbit before lunar attempt.
• Docking test aims to reduce risk ahead of first crewed Moon landing in decades.
• Crewed lunar landing now planned under Artemis IV mission in 2028.
• Overhaul announced February 27, 2026 by NASA.
• Changes come as China advances toward 2030 crewed Moon landing target.
• U.S. safety experts warned additional system testing was necessary.
• NASA cancelled planned upgrade of Space Launch System rocket.
• Agency will instead focus on increasing SLS production and launch frequency.
• Artemis programme marks first U.S. astronaut Moon landing effort in over 50 years.