The Artemis program is poised to launch its inaugural Moon mission within the next year. As NASA advances this landmark initiative—its most ambitious since Apollo—the agency has released a comprehensive report detailing scientific priorities for Artemis III, the 2024 crewed landing that will return astronauts to the lunar surface.
Artemis I will be an uncrewed test flight orbiting the Moon, validating the SLS heavy-lift rocket and Orion spacecraft. Artemis II, targeted for 2023, will send astronauts on a lunar orbit. Artemis III in 2024 will achieve the historic return to the lunar surface, featuring two astronauts—including the first woman to walk on the Moon.
On December 7, 2020, NASA announced its scientific priorities for Artemis III in a detailed report, identifying seven key objectives. These include unraveling planetary processes and the origins of volatile materials at the lunar poles.
"The Moon holds immense scientific potential that astronauts will help us unlock," said Thomas Zurbuchen, NASA's Associate Administrator for Science, who unveiled the report.
Artemis III astronauts will spend just six and a half days on the Moon, making efficiency paramount. Drawing from decades of Apollo experience (1961–1972), this report—crafted by NASA scientists and academic experts—aims to enhance operations. It emphasizes better sample selection, despite no dedicated geologist on the crew, unlike Apollo 17 in 1972.
Recommendations include broadband video links for real-time Earth-based support in decision-making. NASA is urged to develop lighter, multifunctional instruments that fit within the human landing system—still under selection, with finalists Blue Origin, SpaceX, and Dynetics (partnered with Thales).
Pre-deploying assets like power generators and rovers ahead of the mission is also advised to maximize scientific returns.
