NASA's Artemis follow-up mission 'proper across the nook' after profitable lunar flight

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The world should be captivated by the breathtaking views, record-setting distance and emotional homecoming of Artemis II, however for NASA, the subsequent chapter is already in movement.

Entry flight director Rick Henfling alluded to Artemis III being within the area company’s sights after the Artemis II crew safely splashed down within the Pacific on Saturday.

“The following mission’s proper across the nook,” Henfling stated.

Within the subsequent high-stakes mission set to launch subsequent yr, Artemis III astronauts will stay in Earth’s orbit and observe docking their Orion capsule with a industrial lunar lander, a important step earlier than any return to the moon.

ARTEMIS II ASTRONAUTS SPLASHDOWN AFTER FIRST MOON MISSION IN MORE THAN 50 YEARS

The Artemis II crew captured a view of Earth setting behind the Moon throughout a lunar flyby on April 6, 2026. (NASA/AP)

Elon Musk’s Starship and Jeff Bezos’ Blue Moon landers are each competing to show their firm’s lander will probably be prepared first.

The billionaires are additionally vying for the chance to hold Artemis IV astronauts through the first deliberate moon touchdown of this system in 2028.

Artemis II Orion capsule splashing down in the Pacific Ocean

The Artemis II Orion capsule splashes down within the Pacific Ocean on April 10, 2026. (NASA/AP)

ARTEMIS II ASTRONAUTS SHOW OFF APOLLO 18 FLAG FROM SPACE

NASA has already positioned key {hardware} for the docking take a look at at Kennedy House Heart, whereas SpaceX prepares one other Starship take a look at flight and Blue Origin pushes towards its personal lunar touchdown demonstration later this yr.

The long-term purpose is way greater than a single touchdown. NASA and its companions are focusing on the moon’s south pole, believed to have huge reserves of ice that would present water and gasoline for a future base — a venture anticipated to price $20 billion to $30 billion.

Astronauts Jeremy Hansen, Christina Koch, Victor Glover and Reid Wiseman on stage at Ellington Field in Houston

The Artemis II crew members Jeremy Hansen, Christina Koch, Victor Glover and Reid Wiseman seem on stage on the finish of a crew return occasion at Ellington Subject in Houston on April 11, 2026. (Michael Wyke/AP)

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NASA is anticipated to announce the Artemis III crew quickly. The mission is designed to reflect Apollo-era testing, decreasing danger earlier than sending astronauts again to the lunar floor for the primary time in additional than 50 years.

The Related Press contributed to this report.

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