NASA is accelerating preparations for the return of astronauts to the moon, with the goal of the first landing take place in 2028.

To that end, the US agency is counting on two private companies — SpaceX and Blue Origin — which are developing space tools that will transport astronauts to the lunar surface.

The year 2027 is expected to be crucial for both companies, as NASA plans to realise a testing mission in the lower orbit of Earth. During it, the Orion spacecraft alignment systems will be tested with the means companies are developing before they are used in future missions towards the moon.

Director NASA, Jared Isaacman, stressed that the agency cannot rely on longer deadlines and larger expenses to ensure the success of missions. He warned that NASA would be directly involved in resolving problems if companies fail to meet targets within the set deadlines, writes Can.

The testing mission Artemis III is expected to last about 14 days and will include complex operations, including launching several missiles and testing the alignment of space tools into orbit. This mission will serve as preparation for Artemis IV, during which NASA aims to restore astronauts to the moon for the first time since 1972.

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SpaceX is developing the Starship system, consisting of Super Heavy Pusher missiles and the Starship ship, which will serve as the means for land landing. The company must complete a series of technical tests, including demonstrating the transfer of fuel between the two ships in Earth’s orbit. This process is considered essential to the realisation of moon travel.

Meanwhile, Blue Origin is developing Blue Moon Mark 2, designed to transport astronauts to the lunar surface. The company must test the technologies needed to connect tools into orbit, as well as systems that will enable the crew to stay safely during the mission.

NASA has not yet decided which company to use for the first astronaut landing. The agency has changed its previous approach and aims to select the tool that will be ready first, enabling both companies to compete on the basis of technical progress.

According to the current plan, the first astronaut landing in the moon is intended to take place in early 2028, while a second mission could be held later that year. However, deadlines depend on test results and company capacity to overcome technical barriers.

Acceleration of the lunar program also relates to the space race with China, which aims to send its astronauts to the moon by 2030. NASA aims to increase the pace of missions and set the stage for a more stable human presence on the moon. /Telegraphy/