NASA’s Artemis plan calls for a crewed docking test in Earth orbit before a Moon landing targeted for 2028. According to NASA, agency leaders outlined the approach on October 23, 2026.
NASA says the test flight will let crews check how Orion works with commercial landers before they travel to the lunar surface. The agency is developing both SpaceX and Blue Origin options, with the first landing assignment still dependent on readiness.
Artemis plan puts an orbital test first
NASA lists separate goals for the next two missions. Its schedule places the docking tests ahead of the first planned landing, as shown below.
| Mission | Target year | Planned task |
|---|---|---|
| Artemis III | 2027 | Test lander docking in Earth orbit |
| Artemis IV | 2028 | Land astronauts on the Moon |
Source: NASA
Data as of: 2026-11-04
An Earth-orbit test flight comes before the planned lunar landing. Both dates are targets.
According to NASA’s mission outline, four astronauts will spend about 14 days in Earth orbit aboard Orion. They will launch on the Space Launch System rocket, known as SLS. The crew will test how the spacecraft approaches and joins each lander.
Under the Artemis plan, Orion would first dock with a Blue Moon test vehicle from Blue Origin. NASA says crew members would enter it for about two days to check its cabin, controls and life-support systems. Those checks include air pressure and the cabin atmosphere.
After that, Orion would dock with a SpaceX Starship test vehicle. This test would last up to two hours, and astronauts would stay inside Orion. NASA plans to assess how the joined craft handle movement, communications and software.
Two routes to the lunar surface
NASA’s lander plans use different routes for the later Moon mission. Starship would refuel in Earth orbit, join Orion there and push both craft toward the Moon. By contrast, Blue Origin would use three transfer stages to send its Blue Moon lander toward lunar orbit, where it would meet Orion.
NASA also says it is working with Axiom Space on a lighter “Sortie suit” for early moonwalks. It would supplement the company’s main suit, which the agency plans to use on longer, more demanding missions.
Before either company carries astronauts to the surface, NASA requires an uncrewed demonstration and certification of the lander. The agency says it will choose the first landing provider based on readiness. Its Artemis plan still targets that landing for 2028.
Sources: NASA overview, NASA mission outline, NASA lander plans
