From Space Policy Directive 1 in 2017 to a permanent base at Shackleton Crater in 2036 — the Artemis roadmap spans nearly two decades and at least four presidential administrations. Hover each milestone for details.
2017
Space Policy Directive 1
President Trump signs SPD-1, redirecting NASA toward returning humans to the Moon as a precursor to Mars.
2022
Artemis I — Uncrewed Test Flight
Orion capsule completes an uncrewed lunar flyby aboard the Space Launch System, validating the architecture.
2026
Artemis II — First Crewed Lunar Flyby
Four astronauts fly around the Moon aboard Orion — the first crewed deep-space mission since Apollo 17 in 1972.
2027
Artemis III — First Lunar South Pole Landing
Astronauts land near the lunar south pole for the first time, scouting terrain for the permanent base site.
2028
Artemis IV — Infrastructure Landing● ANCHOR
First step toward permanent infrastructure at Shackleton Crater. Begins construction of the lunar Gateway and surface systems.
2033
Nuclear Reactor Operational● ANCHOR
A 20-kilowatt fission surface power reactor comes online, enabling continuous human habitation independent of solar cycles.
2036
Permanent Lunar Base — Shackleton Crater● ANCHOR
NASA's target for a fully operational, continuously inhabited lunar base at Shackleton Crater, lunar south pole.