Artemis
The Artemis era is here, heralding a future of long-term
scientific exploration and discovery in deep space.
Through Artemis, NASA will explore more of the Moon
than ever before with highly trained astronauts and
advanced robotics.
WHY WE’RE GOING TO THE MOON

Chapter 1
WHY WE’RE GOING TO THE MOON
We’re going back to the Moon for scientific discovery, economic benefits, and inspiration for a new generation of explorers: the Artemis Generation. While maintaining American leadership in exploration, we will build a global alliance and explore deep space for the benefit of all.

We are Going for Science
The Moon is a 4.5-billion-year-old time capsule, pristinely preserved by the cold vacuum of space. It is a witness to billions of years of solar activity and large collisions that allowed life to gain a foothold in the solar system.
Through Artemis, a cadre of NASA’s robotic and crew missions will begin to unravel some of the greatest mysteries of the solar system for the benefit of humanity. Research at the Moon can tell us how the Earth and Moon were formed and the origins of water in our solar system.

We are Going for Economic Opportunity
Expanding human presence into the solar system will require the best of NASA, the private sector, and our international partners. With the renewed purpose to return to the Moon, American innovation is leading the way, and the future holds promise for a robust lunar marketplace.
An important part of NASA’s strategy is to stimulate the commercial space industry while leveraging those same capabilities through public-private partnerships and service contracts to encourage competition, drive down costs, and pave the way for future commercial endeavors.

We are Going to Inspire a New Generation
We will explore more of the Moon than ever before with our commercial and international partners. Along the way, we will engage and inspire new audiences . We are the Artemis Generation.

Why the Moon
The Artemis missions will build a community on the Moon, driving a new lunar economy and inspiring a new generation. Narrator Drew Barrymore and NASA team members explain why returning to the Moon is the natural next step in human exploration, and how the lessons learned from Artemis will pave the way to Mars and beyond. As NASA prepares to launch the Orion spacecraft and Space Launch System rocket on the uncrewed Artemis I mission around the Moon, we’ve already begun to take the next step.
Learn More About ArtemisOUR SUCCESS WILL CHANGE THE WORLD
Chapter 2
HOW WE ARE GOING TO THE MOON
We will build an Artemis Base Camp on the surface and the Gateway in lunar orbit. These elements will allow our robots and astronauts to explore more and conduct more science than ever before.
Orion Spacecraft
The NASA spacecraft that will carry astronauts from Earth to lunar orbit and back.

Space Launch System Rocket
The only rocket that can send Orion, astronauts, and cargo to the Moon on a single mission. Upon launch, the SLS will be the most powerful rocket in the world.

Exploration Ground Systems
The structures on the ground necessary to support launch and recovery of returning astronauts.

Human Landing System
Built by American companies, human landing systems are the final mode of transportation that will take astronauts from lunar orbit to the surface and back to orbit.

Gateway
The spaceship in lunar orbit where astronauts will transfer between Orion and the lander on regular Artemis missions. Gateway will remain in orbit for more than a decade, providing a place to live and work, and supporting long-term science and human exploration on and around the Moon.

Mobility and Habitation
As Artemis missions progress, NASA and its partners will continue to send elements to the surface. Rovers will expand the exploration range and increase science return. Habitation elements will allow crews to stay on the surface for longer periods of time.

Chapter 3
This is the Artemis Generation.
We go to the Moon for scientific discovery, economic benefits, and inspiration for a new generation of explorers: the Artemis Generation.

Artemis I
Artemis I was an uncrewed flight test of the Space Launch System and the Orion spacecraft around the Moon.
Learn More about Artemis I
Artemis II
Artemis II will be the first crewed flight test of the Space Launch System and the Orion spacecraft around the Moon.
Learn More about Artemis II
Artemis III and Beyond
Planning is underway for a regular cadence of Artemis missions with crew on and around the Moon.
Learn More about Artemis III and Beyond
Artemis News
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There's Space to Learn
We’re launching learning to new heights with STEM resources that connect educators, students, parents and caregivers to the inspiring work at NASA.
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Artemis Blog
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