NASA may make a big announcement on Moon mission today. Here's what we know

NASA is set to hold a press conference today during which it is expected to make a major announcement regarding its Moon mission. The press conference, titled ‘Artemis Acceleration’, is seto to be held at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 2 PM EDT, with NASA officials expected to discuss upcoming Artemis missions and the agency’s plans to accelerate its return to the Moon.

"The update will include details about NASA’s Artemis III mission that will send four astronauts to low Earth orbit next year to test critical systems needed for future lunar landings, and how plans to return American astronauts to the moon by 2028 are progressing," NASA officials had earlier said in a media advisory on October 14.

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, Associate Administrator Amit Kshatriya and Artemis program manager Jeremy Parsons will present the update. The announcement is expected to provide details about the Artemis programme, including preparations for Artemis III and the planned crewed lunar landing under Artemis IV.

NASA's Artemis Mission: What to expect

After the successful Artemis II mission, the US space agency is currently working on its Artemis III mission, which is targeted for mid-2027. The mission is expected to send four astronauts into low Earth orbit to test systems and technologies required for future lunar landings.

Unlike earlier plans for a crewed lunar landing, Artemis III will focus on testing critical spacecraft systems. The mission will help NASA assess whether the technologies needed for subsequent lunar missions are ready for use.

"Artemis III will carry out a series of objectives in low Earth orbit designed to demonstrate critical systems needed for future lunar landings, beginning with Artemis IV. During the mission, the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket will launch four crew members aboard the Orion spacecraft from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida," says NASA on its website.

SpaceX, Blue Origin to play key roles in NASA's Moon missions

Private space companies are expected to play a crucial role in NASA's lunar exploration plans. SpaceX is developing its Starship spacecraft for the Artemis programme, while Blue Origin is working on its Blue Moon lunar lander. Both systems are intended to support NASA's efforts to return astronauts to the Moon.

The upcoming announcement could provide further insight into the role of these commercial partners and the technological milestones required before astronauts can land on the lunar surface.

Artemis IV could return astronauts to the moon in 2028

NASA has identified Artemis IV as the next major milestone towards a crewed lunar landing, with the mission planned for early 2028. The agency aims to send astronauts to the lunar surface, potentially near the Moon's south pole.

If successful, the mission would mark the first time humans have walked on the Moon since December 1972, when NASA's Apollo 17 mission concluded the Apollo lunar landing programme.

The Moon's south pole is a key area of scientific interest because permanently shadowed regions may contain water ice. Studying these areas could help scientists understand the Moon's history and assess resources that may support future exploration.

Artemis II mission: A major milestone

Earlier this year, NASA Artemis II mission was successfully carried out, marking a significant step towards returning humans to the Moon after more than 50 years. The mission carried four astronauts: Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, Mission Specialist Christina Koch and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen. The crew completed a lunar flyby without landing on the surface.

During the mission, the astronauts travelled approximately 252,756 miles from Earth, setting a record for the greatest distance humans have travelled from their home planet. Artemis II provided NASA with an opportunity to evaluate systems and procedures needed for future crewed lunar missions.