The key facts
- Artemis III is scheduled for the third quarter of 2027; it does not include a Moon landing — its goal is to verify system compatibility
- SpaceX plans an uncrewed Starship landing on the Moon by the end of 2027
- The choice of vehicle for Artemis IV (early 2028) depends on the test results
Testing Schedule Through 2028
According to Space.com, the testing schedule was presented by Steve Creech, acting head of NASA's Human Landing System program. Key tests are planned through early 2028: on-orbit refueling, spacecraft docking, and an uncrewed Moon landing. Their results will be decisive in selecting the vehicle that will deliver astronauts to the lunar surface.
The Artemis III Mission
The launch of the Artemis III mission is scheduled for the third quarter of 2027. Four astronauts aboard the Orion spacecraft will enter low Earth orbit and conduct dockings with test versions of the SpaceX and Blue Origin vehicles. No Moon landing is planned for this mission — its task is to verify the compatibility of the spacecraft systems. Based on the results, NASA must determine which vehicle to use in the Artemis IV mission, planned for early 2028.
SpaceX's Plans
SpaceX plans to modify one of its existing Starship V3 upper stages for Artemis III: a docking port and protective nose-section coating will be installed on it. According to NASA documents, mechanical compatibility checks of these elements have been completed. In the first quarter of 2027, integration of systems for working with Orion and delivery of a cabin simulator to astronauts are planned; in the second quarter — flight tests, checks of the landing legs and the crew cabin airlock. At the same time, the Starship test vehicle for Artemis III will not have a cabin for astronauts — it is intended to demonstrate docking with Orion.
On-Orbit Refueling
One of the most challenging tasks for SpaceX is transferring propellant between spacecraft in orbit: for a flight to the Moon, Starship must receive additional propellant in Earth orbit. This may require up to ten launches of special tanker ships that will deliver propellant to an orbital depot, from which the lunar vehicle will replenish its supplies. The company must prove reliable storage of cryogenic propellant in space and its transfer between vehicles. For the Artemis III orbital tests, such refueling is not required. SpaceX plans to launch the uncrewed Starship intended for the Moon at the end of the third quarter or the beginning of the fourth quarter of 2027 and land it on the Moon by the end of the year.
