What is the Artemis programme?

Artemis is NASA's programme to return humans to the Moon for the first time since Apollo 17 in December 1972. It uses the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and the Orion capsule. Artemis I (uncrewed, Nov 2022) tested the hardware around the Moon. Artemis II is planned to carry four astronauts on a lunar flyby. Artemis III aims to land humans on the lunar surface — including the first woman and first person of colour to walk on the Moon. Full programme details on the NASA Artemis page.

Why is the landing site near the Moon's south pole?

The lunar south pole is scientifically valuable because permanently shadowed craters there contain water ice, confirmed by instruments on the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter and India's Chandrayaan-1. Water ice can be split into hydrogen and oxygen for rocket propellant, making it a critical resource for long-term lunar exploration. The south pole region also experiences periods of near-constant sunlight on elevated terrain, enabling solar power. Artemis III's target landing zone is within 6° of the south pole. NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter has mapped the terrain in detail.

What is the Human Landing System?

The Human Landing System (HLS) is the spacecraft that will take astronauts from lunar orbit to the surface and back. NASA selected SpaceX's Starship HLS as the sole provider for Artemis III. Starship HLS will be pre-deployed in lunar orbit; astronauts will transfer to it from the Orion capsule. The mission architecture requires multiple Starship launches to fuel the HLS in orbit before the crew departs Earth. NASA's HLS overview explains the complete landing sequence.

How does Artemis III differ from Apollo missions?

Several key differences: Artemis III targets the south pole rather than equatorial sites; it uses a fully reusable commercial lander (Starship HLS); the crew will include the first woman on the Moon; and surface time is expected to be roughly 6.5 days — longer than any Apollo landing. The spacesuits (xEMU) are designed for the cold, rugged south polar terrain. Additionally, Artemis is building toward a permanent Gateway lunar orbital station and eventual long-duration surface stays — goals beyond Apollo's reach. See also our article on earlier Artemis III programme updates.

Artemis III Crew Announced — NASA Names First Moon-Landing Team

The crew and the mission

NASA's selection for Artemis III follows years of astronaut preparation in lunar geology, south-polar terrain navigation, and operations with the new xEMU spacesuits. The crew of four will travel to the Moon aboard the Orion capsule launched on SLS; two will descend to the surface in SpaceX's Starship HLS lander while two remain in lunar orbit.

The south-polar landing site was chosen partly for its proximity to confirmed water-ice deposits in permanently shadowed craters. Water ice is not only scientifically valuable — it represents potential rocket propellant for future deep-space missions, making it a strategic resource for sustained lunar and eventual Mars exploration. NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter and India's Chandrayaan-3 lander (2023) have characterised the terrain in detail.

Mission timeline

SLS/Orion launch — crew departs Earth and enters translunar trajectory. Journey to Moon takes approximately 3 days.

Lunar orbit rendezvous — Orion docks with the pre-deployed Starship HLS in lunar orbit. Two astronauts transfer to HLS.

Descent and landing — HLS lands within the Artemis south-polar landing region. Up to 6.5 days of surface operations planned, including multiple EVAs.

Ascent and return — HLS lifts the surface crew back to lunar orbit, transfers to Orion. Transearth injection and splashdown in the Pacific.

Why the south pole?

No Apollo mission went to the south polar region. Apollo landings targeted equatorial and mid-latitude sites for orbital mechanics and lighting reasons. The discovery of water ice — confirmed in 2009 by the LCROSS impact and later by ISRO's Moon Mineralogy Mapper aboard Chandrayaan-1 — made the south pole a priority target. Water ice also preserves a record of solar system history, potentially including ancient cometary material. Read more in our asteroids, comets and meteors guide.

Artemis III crew announced

The crew and the mission

Mission timeline

Why the south pole?

Frequently asked questions