Introduction
With NASA's recent announcement that the Artemis 3 mission—the first human lunar landing under the Artemis program—has slipped to late 2027, many space enthusiasts and analysts are asking: Can astronauts still set foot on the Moon by 2028? The two primary lunar landers, SpaceX's Starship and Blue Origin's Blue Moon, are both experiencing development delays that threaten the original timeline. This how-to guide will walk you through evaluating the likelihood of a 2028 Moon landing despite the Artemis 3 pushback. By understanding the mission architecture, assessing lander readiness, reviewing schedule dependencies, analyzing risk factors, and considering alternative scenarios, you can form your own informed opinion.
What You Need
Before diving into the steps, gather these materials and prerequisites:
- Current Mission Timeline: Familiarize yourself with NASA's official Artemis schedule, including key milestones for Artemis 1, 2, and 3.
- Lander Specifications: Detailed info on SpaceX Starship (Human Landing System variant) and Blue Origin's Blue Mark 2 (part of the Blue Moon family).
- NASA Budget Documents: Understanding the funding allocated for lunar landers and any potential cost overruns.
- Technical Risk Reports: Independent reviews (e.g., from the Government Accountability Office) on lander development status.
- Critical Thinking Mindset: Be ready to weigh conflicting data and consider multiple perspectives.
Step-by-Step Assessment
Step 1: Understand the Artemis Mission Architecture
Artemis 3 is not a standalone flight—it depends on several preceding missions and vehicles. First, Artemis 1 (uncrewed Orion around the Moon) and Artemis 2 (crewed Orion but no landing) must succeed. Then, for Artemis 3, the crew travels to lunar orbit via Orion and transfers to a lander. That lander must be ready for integrated operations. Without a working lander, no landing occurs. Know that Artemis 3 was originally planned for 2025, then 2026, and now late 2027. The critical path is the lander's readiness, not Orion's.
Step 2: Assess Lander Readiness
Both SpaceX and Blue Origin face significant technical hurdles. For Starship, the primary challenge is orbital refueling—multiple tanker flights to transfer propellant in orbit, which has never been done at scale. Blue Origin's Blue Mark 2 uses a different architecture but still requires testing of its BE-7 engine and cryogenic fluid management. Review recent test flights, static fires, and any announced delays. If either lander is behind schedule, a 2028 landing is unlikely because even after the lander is ready, integration and crew training take additional months.
Step 3: Review Schedule Dependencies
NASA's timeline shows Artemis 3 launching in late 2027. But that assumes the lander is certified and delivered by mid-2027 at the latest. Check for overlap with other missions: Artemis 2 is currently slated for 2025–2026. Any slip there pushes everything. Also note that NASA requires a certain number of successful flight tests before crew rating a vehicle. SpaceX's Starship has had only a few test flights (as of early 2025), many ending in explosions. More testing is needed, which consumes time.
Step 4: Analyze Risk Factors
Identify the biggest risks to a 2028 landing:
- Technical setbacks: Starship orbital refueling failures or Blue Moon engine issues.
- Funding shortfalls: Congress may not approve additional budget for faster development.
- Political changes: A new administration could alter priorities.
- International collaboration delays: The Lunar Gateway is not required for Artemis 3, but its development could affect resource allocation.
Each risk needs a probability and impact score. For example, if the probability of a critical Starship failure is high, the chance of landing in 2028 drops significantly.
Step 5: Consider Alternative Scenarios
If Artemis 3 with Starship is impossible by 2028, could NASA use a different lander? Blue Origin's Blue Mark 2 is not yet selected as a backup for Artemis 3 (it was selected for Artemis 5). However, NASA could theoretically reassign contracts. Alternatively, a scaled-back mission using a smaller lander might be possible, but none are currently in development for human landing. Also consider the possibility of a sample return or robotic precursor that doesn't land astronauts but still demonstrates capability. This may not be a true Moon landing but could fulfill some scientific goals.
Step 6: Conclude the Likelihood
After gathering all information, synthesize it into a probability estimate. For example: "Given the Starship refueling delays and Blue Moon's slower pace, a 2028 Moon landing appears unlikely (<10% chance). A more realistic date is 2030 or later." Remember to cite specific sources and data. This conclusion should be dynamic—update it as new information emerges, such as successful test flights or schedule releases.
Tips for Staying Current
- Follow NASA's official press releases and the NASA Watch website for schedule changes.
- Monitor SpaceX and Blue Origin media channels for test flight announcements.
- Attend space industry conferences (e.g., International Astronautical Congress) where program updates are often shared.
- Use a stepwise approach to revisit your assessment quarterly—the situation evolves quickly.
- Engage with online communities (subreddits like r/SpaceLaunchSystem or r/ArtemisProgram) for diverse viewpoints.
- Keep an eye on Congress: budget increases can accelerate lander development, while cuts can slow it.
Ultimately, while the delayed Artemis 3 makes a 2028 landing difficult, it is not impossible if technical hurdles are overcome faster than expected. Use this guide to make your own informed prediction and watch the skies for progress.