NASA Reaffirms Plan to Land Astronauts on Moon in 2028 Under Artemis IV Mission

Washington, Oct 24 : The US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has reaffirmed its plan to land astronauts on the Moon in 2028 under its Artemis IV mission, saying it is accelerating preparations and revising technical requirements to meet the ambitious timeline.

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said the agency was stepping up efforts to maximise the chances of a safe and successful return of American astronauts to the lunar surface.

He said that when astronauts take their first steps on the Moon in 2028, a lunar rover and the initial elements of a permanent human presence would be ready to support them.

NASA's Artemis programme manager Jeremy Parsons said the development of lunar landing systems was progressing simultaneously through two private contractors — Elon Musk's SpaceX and Jeff Bezos's Blue Origin.

Parsons said NASA was focused on achieving the 2028 target, adding that the agency would take as much time as possible before deciding which company would transport the astronauts to the lunar surface.

He noted that both companies were working towards lunar landings in 2028, with NASA closely monitoring their progress.

The Artemis IV mission is part of NASA's broader effort to return humans to the Moon and establish the foundation for a sustained human presence on the lunar surface.