NASA Revises Artemis Moon Program with New Docking Test Mission and Schedule Changes

NASA has revised its Artemis moon program by adding a new docking test mission in Earth orbit planned for 2027, ahead of the first crewed lunar landing now scheduled for Artemis IV in 2028. The agency canceled a costly upgrade to the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket to focus on increasing its production and flight rate amid delays and technical challenges. Boeing's contract for the SLS upper stage upgrade was cut, while commercial lunar landers from SpaceX and Blue Origin remain part of the plan. NASA aims to accelerate flight frequency despite ongoing schedule uncertainties.