Two NASA Probes Will Fly Over Earth Before Heading to Mars

NASA has released new guidelines to accelerate the return of astronauts to the lunar surface, altering the initial schedule. The agency plans to execute a test mission in Earth orbit in 2027, concentrating the next crewed landing attempt on the Artemis 4 mission, scheduled for 2028.

These updates were communicated on October 23 by NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, along with other agency leaders. The overall goal of this strategic adjustment is to reduce technical risks, expedite the development of necessary equipment, and pave the way for a continuous human presence on the natural satellite.

The main modification concerns the Artemis 3 mission. Unlike previous planning, which anticipated a lunar landing, this mission will focus on testing crucial components for future activities on the Moon's surface.

Four astronauts will board the Orion capsule, which will be launched by the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket. This journey is expected to last 14 days and will take place in low Earth orbit. During this period, NASA will verify the rendezvous, approach, and docking procedures between Orion and prototypes of lunar modules created by SpaceX and Blue Origin.

The crewed landing is now set for Artemis 4 in 2028. This mission will also utilize the Orion capsule and the SLS rocket, with the launch scheduled from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, USA.

To reach the lunar surface, NASA is evaluating two transport options provided by private companies. SpaceX proposes refueling the Starship in Earth orbit, at which point the spacecraft will meet Orion to head toward the Moon. On the other hand, Blue Origin plans to use orbital transfer stages in Earth orbit to propel its Blue Moon Mark 2 module to the Moon; this vehicle will rendezvous with Orion in a lunar orbit closer to the satellite before beginning the descent.

Both companies are committed to making their systems available for the 2028 crewed landing. Furthermore, NASA is studying two possible configurations for the upper stage of the SLS rocket on Artemis 4: maintaining the existing cryogenic propulsion stage or adopting an extended version of the Centaur V, manufactured by United Launch Alliance, which has greater propellant carrying capacity. This analysis aims to keep options open and prevent the program from depending on only one configuration.

Another reported advancement relates to the equipment astronauts will use on the lunar surface. The agency has partnered with Axiom Space to develop a second type of space suit, lighter, called the Sortie suit. This new equipment will weigh about half as much as the main suit developed by Axiom and will be used during the first lunar walks. It is important to note that it will not replace the primary Axiom model, which will remain reserved for more extensive and challenging tasks in future missions.

With the progress of the Artemis program, NASA aims to conduct progressively more complex expeditions in the lunar south pole region, expanding scientific knowledge about the satellite and establishing a lasting human presence beyond Earth. The agency also views these operations as part of the technological and operational preparation for future crewed missions to Mars.

Four NASA volunteers concluded a confinement experience last Saturday (the 31st) that lasted 378 days, replicating the conditions of a crewed mission to Mars. This group resided in a 158 square meter habitat located at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, USA, carrying out preparatory tasks for future journeys to the Red Planet.

This initiative is part of the Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog (CHAPEA) program, which aims to investigate how humans would respond to the physical and psychological challenges inherent in a long-duration space expedition.

The second mission under this program began on October 19, 2025. The participants included Ross Elder, serving as commander; Ellen Ellis, responsible for medical affairs; Matthew Montgomery, designated as science officer; and James Spicer, flight engineer.

Ellen Ellis commented after leaving the habitat with the other members that it was a period of 'a year and a half, simulation astronauts living in captivity by free will.'

The primary focus of CHAPEA is to understand the impact that prolonged isolation, supply restrictions, and communication difficulties have on the health and performance of a space crew. The data obtained may assist researchers in developing methods to keep astronauts healthy, productive, and mentally fit during extended space missions.

Additionally, NASA plans to use these results to improve protocols for medical assistance, psychological support, nutrition, and the organization of activities in isolated environments.

After leaving the habitat, the four volunteers will begin a subsequent phase consisting of two weeks dedicated to post-mission evaluations and discussions with agency scientists, aiming to analyze team behavior and identify lessons applicable to future expeditions.

This is the second time NASA has conducted an experiment of this type. The first CHAPEA mission took place between 2023 and 2024, when another group of four people remained confined for the same period of 378 days.

NASA aims to conduct a crewed mission to Mars in the 2030s. Until reaching this milestone, the agency is focused on developing technologies and executing experiments aimed at mitigating the risks associated with such long journeys. The studies may also benefit lunar exploration plans, particularly those related to human presence on the Moon.

According to the director of the Johnson Space Center, CHAPEA experiences are crucial for paving the way for future missions, starting with the Moon and subsequently Mars.