NASA to test SpaceX and Blue Origin Moon landers during 2027 orbital rehearsal
8 reported
NASA is planning an orbital rehearsal in 2027 to test lunar landers from SpaceX and Blue Origin before crewed Moon landings begin in 2028. During the Artemis III demonstration mission, astronauts aboard Orion will rendezvous and dock separately with prototype landers from both companies in low Earth orbit. The mission aims to gather data to improve astronaut safety and reduce risks for future lunar surface missions. SpaceX will test a Starship Version 3 test article, while Blue Origin will test a crew cabin based on its Mark 2 lander architecture. Three rockets will launch in rapid succession, with Orion performing two separate docking sequences. The information collected will complement future uncrewed demonstrations near the Moon.
What’s reported
NASA is preparing for a 2027 orbital rehearsal during Artemis III to test SpaceX and Blue Origin lunar landers.
Crewed lunar landings are planned to begin in 2028.
SpaceX will fly Version 3 of Starship, the foundation for future Starship HLS.
Blue Origin will test the crew cabin intended for its human landing system.
Up to two Artemis III astronauts will enter the Blue Origin test lander; astronauts will not enter the Starship prototype.
Three rockets will launch in rapid succession: Blue Origin first, then SLS with Orion, then SpaceX Starship.
Orion will serve as the chaser spacecraft during both docking sequences.
SpaceX qualified its docking capability in 2023; Blue Origin performed developmental ground tests earlier in 2026.
Key figures
Steve Creech, program manager, Human Landing System Program, NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center
Jeremy Parsons, Artemis program manager
Sources: ScienceDaily
