NASA has received a full-scale prototype of Blue Origin's Mark 2 crew cabin and will soon begin astronaut training exercises. The development supports the agency's goal of returning humans to the lunar surface in 2028.
The prototype, measuring 15 feet tall, arrived at NASA's Johnson Space Center this week. Engineers and astronauts will use it for human-in-the-loop tests that cover mission scenarios, communications with mission control, spacesuit checks, and simulated moonwalks, NASA said.
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NASA unveiled the four astronauts selected for its Artemis III mission on Tuesday at Johnson Space Center in Houston. The crew will test docking procedures with lunar landers in low Earth orbit ahead of a planned launch no earlier than summer 2027.
NASA is working with SpaceX and Blue Origin to simplify requirements for their Human Landing Systems, aiming for a 2028 moon landing. Lori Glaze, head of NASA's deep space exploration, said both companies have submitted proposals to speed up development by avoiding complex orbits. Officials are analyzing compatibility with the Orion spacecraft.
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NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman told lawmakers that SpaceX and Blue Origin expect their lunar landers to be ready for the Artemis III mission in late 2027. The mission will now test the landers in Earth orbit rather than attempting a lunar landing. This change aims to reduce risks and increase launch frequency.
Nasa's Artemis 2 Orion capsule launched successfully from Kennedy Space Center with four astronauts heading to the Moon on a 400,000-kilometer journey. The rocket reached supersonic speed and is now traveling at 27,000 km/h. The automated launch control system has taken over.
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NASA's Artemis II mission has reached day six, with its four-person crew nearing the far side of the moon. The spacecraft remains on track for a lunar flyby while the astronauts share images and videos of Earth. They are also testing systems for future missions and addressing a toilet issue.
NASA released 22 photos on Tuesday from the Artemis II crew's historic lunar flyby on Monday, showcasing stunning views of the Moon and Earth. The White House shared images from the far side of the Moon, including the first such photo captured by the Orion spacecraft. The mission broke the record for the farthest distance traveled from Earth by humans.
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Nasa has detailed a multi-year effort to establish a permanent base on the moon near its south pole. The announcement on 26 May outlined initial uncrewed missions starting later this year.