Current indications suggest that the United States may not land astronauts on the Moon before 2027 under NASA’s Artemis-3 program. An official briefing notes a combination of technical hurdles and a rigorous preparation schedule as the main reasons for the revised timetable, a conclusion grounded in a review by the U.S. Government Accountability Office and summarized for public awareness.
Originally, the plan envisioned a Moon landing in December 2025. The GAO analysis casts doubt on that timeline, noting that numerous issues remain unresolved and that risk management and readiness levels require closer attention before proceeding with crewed operations.
The audit reflects insights drawn from document reviews and conversations with NASA representatives. It points to substantial work still needed on the Artemis-3 landing system, the SpaceX-built spacecraft, and methods to reach and operate on the lunar surface. A critical item cited is the need to upgrade spacesuit oxygen capacity to support longer emergency operations on the lunar surface.
Another key finding is fuel management. The spacecraft is expected to consume its onboard reserves before reaching lunar orbit, necessitating a fueling plan for the transit to the Moon. This involves establishing orbital propellant reserves and transporting fuel containers containing methane and liquid oxygen to support the voyage.
Several ongoing studies involve spacesuits produced by the private company Axiom. NASA is seeking a design capable of delivering up to 60 minutes of emergency life support. The current configuration of the suit does not yet include such a capability, prompting considerations for adjustments to accommodate larger oxygen tanks.
If the preferred adjustments prove impractical, the mission team may need to modify the suit layout, a change that could add time to development and testing timelines. NASA has acknowledged that the 2025 target was optimistic, with officials in mid-2023 noting that delays in development increased the likelihood of missing the deadline for Artemis-3.
These evolving plans come ahead of what would be the first American lunar landing in more than half a century, marking a historic return to surface exploration after a long hiatus.