NASA's Artemis III mission, originally intended to land humans on the moon, has been rescheduled to focus on Earth-orbit tests. Following the Artemis II flyby in April 2026, the next mission is now set for 2028. NASA plans to test the Orion capsule's ability to rendezvous with commercial lunar landing systems from SpaceX and Blue Origin in Earth orbit before attempting similar maneuvers around the moon. Barbara Cohen, a scientist on the Artemis III project, discussed the mission's significance and the role of human astronauts in scientific exploration.
Cohen explained that Artemis III will involve sending the Orion capsule into Earth orbit with astronauts aboard. Blue Origin and SpaceX will provide test articles of their lunar landers to ensure compatibility with Orion. While the Artemis missions are primarily focused on exploration and technology development rather than scientific research, they aim to identify unique scientific opportunities.
One aspect of Artemis III will involve preparing for future lunar sample returns. Cohen noted that samples taken from the moon change when removed from their natural environment, and the mission will include deploying witness materials to study how the crew's environment affects these samples.
Cohen emphasized the importance of human observation in space exploration, stating that while robotic assets can capture images, humans excel at interpreting scenes and making inferences. The Artemis missions are designed to leverage human capabilities to enhance scientific understanding.
Cohen expressed a personal interest in studying the age of lunar craters, as they provide insights into the solar system's history and the impacts that have shaped both the moon and Earth. The South Pole-Aitken Basin, a significant lunar crater, is a target for future exploration, although lunar landing is currently planned for Artemis IV in early 2028. Artemis III will focus on ensuring that spacecraft, procedures, and personnel can work together effectively for future missions.