Artemis Program

The Artemis program , a truly ambitious undertaking led by the United States ’ National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA ), was formally etched into existence in 2017 through Space Policy Directive 1 . Its primary, and rather grand, intention is to reintroduce a human presence to the Moon – a feat not accomplished since the distant days of Apollo 17 in 1972. The long-term vision, as articulated, extends beyond mere footprints to the establishment of a permanent base on the Moon , a stepping stone, they claim, for eventual human missions to Mars . One can almost hear the cosmic sigh; another generation, another moonshot, another promise of Mars.

This latest endeavor borrows a few key components from its ill-fated predecessor, the Constellation program . The bones of the Orion spacecraft remain, albeit with a European service module (ESM ) replacing the original U.S.-built design. Similarly, the powerful Space Launch System ’s (SLS) solid rocket boosters trace their lineage back to the Ares V development. However, not everything is recycled. Novel elements, such as the orbital Lunar Gateway space station and the Human Landing System , are currently under development. This intricate web of creation involves a varied cast of characters: government space agencies and the increasingly prevalent private spaceflight companies, all bound by the rather optimistically named Artemis Accords and a labyrinth of governmental contracts.

Program Overview

The Artemis program is, at its core, a meticulously orchestrated series of deep-space missions, each building upon the last in a seemingly ever-increasing spiral of complexity. These missions are, of course, subject to the whims of budgets and engineering, thus scheduled to unfurl at intervals of a year or more, assuming no unexpected cosmic interventions or, more likely, budgetary squabbles. NASA and its international partners have dutifully charted out missions from Artemis I through Artemis V , with additional, more speculative missions proposed beyond that. Each of these core SLS missions is anchored by the launch of an SLS launch vehicle , dutifully ferrying an Orion spacecraft into the void. Anything beyond Artemis II , however, demands a complex ballet of support missions, launched by a diverse array of organizations and spacecraft, performing all the necessary ancillary functions. It’s less a single journey, and more a meticulously choreographed traffic jam in space.

The trio of the Space Launch System , the Orion spacecraft , and the Human Landing System constitute the primary spaceflight infrastructure for this grand lunar endeavor. The Lunar Gateway , a modular space station orbiting the Moon, plays a supporting role, offering a temporary home away from home. Beyond these central players, a constellation of supporting infrastructures includes the Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS), the ongoing development of ground infrastructures back on Earth, the nascent Artemis Base Camp on the Moon itself, a fleet of Moon rovers , and, naturally, the obligatory spacesuits . Unsurprisingly, given the scale and cost, certain aspects of the program have attracted a healthy dose of critique, from the choice of a near-rectilinear halo orbit (NRHO) for the Gateway to the overall sustainability of the entire enterprise. One might say, the more things change, the more the critics remain the same.

The inaugural launch of Orion atop the Space Launch System was initially penciled in for 2016. However, reality, as it often does, intervened with a series of rather predictable delays. It finally ascended on November 16, 2022, as the Artemis I mission, carrying a rather stoic cargo of robots and mannequins. As of November 2025 (and subject to the usual cosmic rescheduling), the crewed Artemis II mission is projected for an early 2026 launch. The actual human lunar landing, Artemis III , is not expected to grace the lunar surface any earlier than mid-2027. Following this, Artemis IV is slated for a late 2028 rendezvous with the Lunar Gateway . Artemis V is then planned for early 2030, bringing with it the European Space Agency ’s ESPRIT refueling and communications module, Canada’s Canadarm3 robotic arm, and NASA ’s own Lunar Terrain Vehicle . The Artemis VI mission, which aims to integrate the Crew and Science Airlock with the Lunar Gateway station , is currently projected for early 2031. After this, NASA optimistically envisions yearly landings on the Moon .

The program nearly met its demise in the early 2020s, a victim of the drastically shifting economics of launch, largely thanks to the advent of reusable launch vehicles . After multiple congressional debates, the program, against all odds, secured its funding through the passage of the 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill Act . A name that truly inspires confidence, doesn’t it?

• Country: United States
• Organization: NASA and its extensive roster of international partners: ESA , JAXA , DLR , UKSA , ASI , ISA , MBRSC , and CSA . A truly global effort, or perhaps just too many cooks in the cosmic kitchen.
• Purpose: Sustainable crewed lunar exploration – because apparently, unsustainable exploration was so last century.
• Status: Ongoing. Like a persistent whisper in the void.
• Program history:
  • Cost: A staggering US$93 billion (2012–2025), with a more recent estimate of $53 billion allocated for the 2021–2025 period. A mere pittance, I’m sure. [1]
  • Duration: 2017; 8 years ago (2017)–present. Because time flies when you’re spending billions. [2]
  • First flight: Artemis I (November 16, 2022). A long time coming. [3] [4]
  • First crewed flight: Artemis II (planned February 5, 2026). Keep your calendars clear, but perhaps also flexible.
• Launch sites:
  • Cape Canaveral Space Force Station
  • Kennedy Space Center
  • Starbase
• Vehicle information:
  • Crewed vehicles:
    • Orion
    • Starship HLS
    • Lunar Gateway
    • Blue Moon
  • Crew capacity: 4. Because exclusivity is key, or perhaps just economical. [5]
  • Launch vehicles:
    • Space Launch System [6]
    • Starship
    • Falcon Heavy [7]
    • New Glenn
    • Commercial launch vehicles. Because sometimes, you just outsource the heavy lifting. [8]

SLS Missions

The Artemis program is structured around a meticulously planned sequence of Space Launch System (SLS) missions, each designed to incrementally push the boundaries of lunar exploration. These missions, naturally, increase in complexity, and are spaced out over intervals of a year or more. A generous timeline, one might say, allowing ample room for “adjustments” and “re-evaluations.” NASA and its partners have, with considerable effort, outlined plans for Artemis I through Artemis V , with subsequent missions extending further into the future. The core of each SLS mission revolves around the launch of an SLS vehicle carrying an Orion spacecraft . However, any mission beyond Artemis II becomes a complex dance, heavily reliant on a host of support missions, launched by various other organizations and spacecraft, tasked with fulfilling critical auxiliary functions. It’s a logistical ballet, performed under the unforgiving gaze of the cosmos.

The triumvirate of the Space Launch System , the Orion spacecraft , and the Human Landing System forms the backbone of the Artemis program ’s spaceflight infrastructure. The Lunar Gateway plays a crucial, albeit supporting, role in human habitation. Complementing these are a suite of essential infrastructures, including the Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS), the ongoing Exploration Ground Systems back on Earth, the planned Artemis Base Camp on the Moon , specialized lunar rovers, and, of course, the requisite spacesuits . Predictably, certain aspects of the program have drawn their fair share of criticism, from the strategic choice of a near-rectilinear halo orbit to concerns about the program’s long-term sustainability. Because nothing brings out the armchair astrophysicist quite like a multi-billion dollar space program.

The initial launch of Orion on the Space Launch System was, optimistically, slated for 2016. The reality, however, involved a cascade of delays. It finally took to the skies on November 16, 2022, as the Artemis I mission, carrying only robots and mannequins. As of November 2025 (and subject to the usual caveats of space exploration timelines), the crewed Artemis II launch is now scheduled for early 2026. The much-anticipated Artemis III crewed lunar landing is currently not expected to launch any earlier than mid-2027. The Artemis IV mission, involving docking with the Lunar Gateway , is planned for late 2028. Following this, Artemis V is projected for early 2030, bringing with it the European Space Agency ’s ESPRIT module, Canada’s Canadarm3 , and NASA ’s Lunar Terrain Vehicle . The Artemis VI mission, which will integrate the Crew and Science Airlock Module with the Lunar Gateway station , is planned for early 2031. After this, NASA rather confidently asserts that yearly landings on the Moon will commence.

The program found itself in existential peril in the early 2020s, largely due to the seismic shift in launch economics ushered in by reusable launch vehicles . After numerous legislative debates, the program, to the surprise of some, secured its future with the passage of the 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill Act . Truly, a name for the ages. [9]

• Artemis I (2022) was, against some odds, a successful uncrewed test of the SLS and Orion systems. It marked the inaugural flight for both craft, a rather significant milestone if one is keeping score. The mission saw Orion placed into a lunar orbit before gracefully returning to Earth . The SLS Block 1 configuration, utilizing the Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (ICPS) as its second stage, performed the critical trans-lunar injection burn, propelling Orion towards lunar space. For this particular mission, Orion executed a precise braking maneuver into a polar distant retrograde lunar orbit , where it remained for approximately six days before charting its course back to Earth . The Orion capsule then detached from its service module , re-entered the atmosphere for a spectacular display of aerobraking , and concluded its journey with a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean , safely under parachutes. [10]

• Artemis II (2026) is poised to be the first crewed test flight of the SLS and the Orion spacecraft . Four intrepid crew members are slated to undertake extensive testing in Earth orbit , after which Orion will be boosted into a free-return trajectory around the Moon . This path is designed to swing the spacecraft around the Moon and naturally guide it back towards Earth for re-entry and splashdown. The launch window is currently scheduled for no earlier than February 2026 and no later than April 2026. Because precision is everything, except when it’s not. [11] [12]

• Artemis III (2027) is ambitiously planned as the first American crewed lunar landing since Apollo 17 in December 1972. This mission, however, hinges on a crucial precursor: a support mission to position a Starship Human Landing System (HLS) into a near-rectilinear halo orbit (NRHO) around the Moon before the launch of the SLS /Orion . Once the Starship HLS has achieved its NRHO, the SLS /Orion will launch, carrying a crew of four to dock with the HLS. Two astronauts will then transfer to the HLS, which will descend to the lunar surface for an approximate 6.5-day stay. During their time on the surface, the astronauts are expected to conduct at least two Extravehicular Activities (EVAs) before the HLS ascends to rendezvous once more with Orion . Orion will then ferry all four astronauts back to Earth . The launch is currently scheduled for no earlier than mid-2027. [11] [12] [13]

• Artemis IV (2028) is envisioned as the second crewed lunar landing mission. For this endeavor, Orion and an upgraded Starship HLS will first dock with the Lunar Gateway station in NRHO, a prerequisite that demands a prior support mission to deliver the first two Lunar Gateway modules to NRHO. The enhanced power of this mission’s SLS Block 1B will enable it to transport the I-HAB Gateway module for connection to the Lunar Gateway . The launch is slated for no earlier than September 2028. [14] [15]

• Artemis V (2030) is planned as the third crewed lunar landing, delivering four astronauts to the Lunar Gateway station . This mission will also transport the European Space Agency ’s ESPRIT refueling and communications module, alongside Canadarm3 , a Canadian-built robotic arm system destined for the Gateway. Additionally, NASA ’s Lunar Terrain Vehicle will be delivered. The launch is scheduled for no earlier than March 2030. [14] [16] Notably, this mission marks the first time Blue Origin ’s Blue Moon lander will be utilized to transport astronauts to the Moon ’s surface.

• Artemis VI (2031) is projected as the fourth crewed lunar landing. Its primary objective is to integrate the Crew and Science Airlock with the Gateway space station . The launch is currently scheduled for no earlier than March 2031. [16] As of 2024, the Airlock module is actively under construction. [17] [18]

• Artemis VII (2032) is planned as the fifth crewed lunar landing, tasked with delivering the Habitable Mobility Platform, known as the Lunar Cruiser , to the lunar surface using an SLS Block 1B rocket. This mission is expected to last for approximately 30 days. The launch is scheduled for no earlier than March 2032. [19] [20]

• Artemis VIII (2033) is slated as the sixth crewed lunar landing, which will involve both a lunar landing and the delivery of lunar surface logistics, including the Foundational Surface Habitat. This will be accomplished using an SLS Block 1B rocket, with assistance from Blue Origin . The mission is expected to span approximately 60 days. The launch is scheduled for no earlier than 2033. [20]

• Artemis IX (2034) is envisioned as the seventh crewed lunar landing, focusing on the delivery of additional lunar surface logistics. This mission marks a significant upgrade, being the first to utilize an SLS Block 2 rocket. It is also expected to last for approximately 60 days. [21]

• Artemis X (2035) is planned as the eighth crewed lunar landing, featuring the delivery of further lunar surface logistics. This mission is notable for including astronauts staying on the Moon for an extended period, potentially up to 180 days. It will also utilize an SLS Block 2 rocket. [21]

For a significant number of Artemis program missions, the Space Launch System ’s two solid rocket boosters ’ engines and casings, along with its four main engines, and the Orion spacecraft ’s main engine, will all be components previously flown on Space Shuttle main engines , solid rocket boosters , and Orbital Maneuvering System engines. These are, in essence, refurbished legacy engines from the Space Shuttle program , some of which date back to the early 1980s. For instance, Artemis I incorporated components that had previously flown on 83 of the 135 Space Shuttle missions . Recycled Shuttle main engines are slated for use from Artemis I through Artemis IV before new engines are manufactured. Similarly, recycled Shuttle solid rocket boosters ’ engines and steel casings will be employed from Artemis I through Artemis III before new ones enter production. The Orion main engine will, from Artemis I to Artemis VI , utilize six previously flown Space Shuttle OMS engines . [22] [23] [24] Because “new” is often a relative term in space exploration, and “cost-effective” even more so.

Support Missions

Support missions, a rather understated term for the intricate logistical ballet required, encompass a diverse array of activities. These include the deployment of robotic landers, the crucial delivery of Gateway modules, ongoing Gateway logistics , the precise delivery of the Human Landing System (HLS), and the transportation of various elements destined for the Moon base . The vast majority of these missions are executed under NASA contracts awarded to commercial providers, a testament to the increasing reliance on the private sector.

Under the umbrella of the Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program, several robotic landers are scheduled to deliver scientific instruments and robotic rovers to the lunar surface following Artemis I . Additional CLPS missions are planned to continue throughout the Artemis program , tasked with delivering payloads, including habitat modules and rovers, in direct support of the crewed missions. It’s an elaborate dance of robots preceding humans, ensuring everything is just so.

A Human Landing System (HLS) is, quite simply, the spacecraft designed to ferry crew members from the near-rectilinear halo orbit (NRHO) to the lunar surface, provide habitation and support during their stay, and then return them safely to NRHO. Each crewed landing demands one HLS, though some, or even all, of these spacecraft may be designed for reusability – a concept that always sounds better on paper than in practice. Each HLS must be launched from Earth and delivered to NRHO, a process that can involve one or multiple launches. The initial commercial contract for two Starship HLS missions – one uncrewed and one crewed as part of Artemis III – was awarded to SpaceX . These two missions each necessitate one HLS launch and a series of multiple fueling launches, all executed using SpaceX Starship launchers. NASA subsequently exercised an option under the initial contract to commission an upgraded Starship HLS for Artemis IV , and also awarded a separate contract to Blue Origin for the development of a third crewed lunar lander, which is expected to make its inaugural crewed flight as part of the Artemis V mission. Because competition is healthy, or at least, expensive.

The first two Gateway modules, the Power and Propulsion Element (PPE) and the Habitation and Logistics Outpost (HALO), are slated for delivery to NRHO in a single launch, utilizing a Falcon Heavy launcher. While originally intended to be available prior to Artemis III , the current plan, as of 2021, projects their availability before Artemis IV . Because schedules, much like promises, are often made to be broken.

The Gateway will receive its resupply and support via launches of Dragon XL spacecraft, also launched by Falcon Heavy . Each Dragon XL is designed to remain attached to the Gateway for a duration of up to six months. Notably, these Dragon XLs are not intended to return to Earth ; instead, they will be disposed of, most likely through controlled crashes onto the lunar surface. A rather dramatic end to a logistical life.

History

The narrative of the Artemis program is, in many ways, a story of reincarnation, stitching together major components from previously cancelled NASA programs and missions. It’s a familiar cycle in space exploration, where grand visions often outlast their initial funding.

Early history

The Artemis program is, in essence, a patchwork quilt of components salvaged from earlier, now-defunct NASA initiatives. Notably, it incorporates significant elements from the Constellation program and the rather ambitious Asteroid Redirect Mission . The Constellation program , initially mandated by the NASA Authorization Act of 2005 , encompassed the development of the Ares I and Ares V launch vehicles, alongside the Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle . This program spanned from the early 2000s until its cancellation in 2010. [25]

In May 2009, then-U.S. President Barack Obama established the Augustine Committee . Its mandate was to review various objectives, including continued support for the International Space Station , the development of missions venturing beyond low Earth orbit (encompassing the Moon , Mars , and near-Earth objects ), and the integration of the commercial space industry, all within defined budgetary constraints. [26] The committee’s grim conclusion was that the Constellation program was catastrophically underfunded, rendering a 2020 lunar landing an impossibility. Consequently, Constellation was unceremoniously put on hold. [27]

On April 15, 2010, President Obama delivered a pivotal speech at the Kennedy Space Center , announcing his administration’s revised plans for NASA . He formally cancelled all non-Orion elements of Constellation , citing the program’s non-viability. [28] In its place, he proposed an additional US$6 billion in funding and called for the development of a new heavy-lift rocket program, aiming for readiness by 2015, with crewed missions to Mars orbit envisioned by the mid-2030s. [29]

Later that year, on October 11, 2010, President Obama signed the NASA Authorization Act of 2010 into law. This legislation mandated the immediate development of the Space Launch System as a successor to the Space Shuttle , and the continued development of a Crew Exploration Vehicle capable of supporting missions beyond low Earth orbit starting in 2016. Crucially, it emphasized leveraging the workforce, assets, and capabilities of the Space Shuttle program , Constellation program , and other NASA initiatives. The act also channeled investment into space technologies and robotics, integral to the broader space exploration framework, and ensured ongoing support for Commercial Orbital Transportation Services , Commercial Resupply Services , while expanding the Commercial Crew Development program. [30]

Fast forward to June 30, 2017, when President Donald Trump signed an executive order, re-establishing the National Space Council , with Vice-President Mike Pence at its helm. The Trump administration’s initial budget request, somewhat surprisingly, retained the Obama-era human spaceflight programs: Commercial Resupply Services , Commercial Crew Development , the Space Launch System , and the Orion spacecraft for deep space missions. However, this continuity came at a cost, with reductions in Earth science research and a call for the elimination of NASA ’s education office. [31]

Redefinition and naming as Artemis

On December 11, 2017, President Trump marked a significant shift in national space policy by signing Space Policy Directive 1 . This directive outlined a U.S.-led, integrated program, leveraging private sector partners, with the explicit goal of returning humans to the Moon , followed by missions to Mars and beyond. The policy called upon the NASA administrator to “lead an innovative and sustainable program of exploration with commercial and international partners to enable human expansion across the Solar System and to bring back to Earth new knowledge and opportunities.” The underlying aim was to streamline and better coordinate governmental, private industry, and international efforts towards achieving a lunar return and establishing the groundwork for future human exploration of Mars . [2]

Space Policy Directive 1 officially authorized the lunar-focused campaign, which would later be christened Artemis . This campaign skillfully integrated existing U.S. spacecraft programs, including the Orion space capsule, the Lunar Gateway space station, and Commercial Lunar Payload Services , while simultaneously initiating entirely new programs, such as the Human Landing System . The still-developing Space Launch System was designated as the primary launch vehicle for Orion , with commercial launch vehicles slated to deploy various other program elements. [32]

On March 26, 2019, Vice President Mike Pence made a rather bold announcement, declaring that NASA ’s Moon landing goal would be accelerated by a full four years, with a planned landing in 2024. [33] Then, on May 16, 2019, NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine formally unveiled the new program’s name: Artemis , a nod to the goddess of the Moon in Greek mythology and the twin sister of Apollo . [32] [34] Despite these immediate, ambitious lunar objectives, the long-term aspiration of Mars missions by the 2030s remained, as of May 2019. [2]

In mid-2019, NASA requested an additional US$1.6 billion in funding for Artemis for fiscal year 2020. [35] In response, the Senate Appropriations Committee requested a five-year budget profile from NASA , a necessary step for evaluation and approval by Congress . [36] [37] [38]

February 2020 saw the White House requesting a 12% increase in funding to support the Artemis program as part of its fiscal year 2021 budget . The proposed total budget would have reached US$25.2 billion per year, with a significant US$3.7 billion specifically earmarked for a Human Landing System . NASA Chief Financial Officer Jeff DeWit expressed a rather optimistic view, believing the agency had “a very good shot” at securing this budget through Congress , despite noted Democratic concerns surrounding the program’s direction. [39] However, by July 2020, the House Appropriations Committee summarily rejected the White House ’s requested funding increase. [40] The bill ultimately proposed in the House allocated a mere US$700 million towards the Human Landing System , an astonishing 81% (US$3 billion) short of the requested amount. [41]

In April 2020, NASA awarded funding to Blue Origin , Dynetics, and SpaceX for 10-month preliminary design studies for the Human Landing System . [42] [43] [44] Because when you’re not sure how to get to the Moon , you pay a few companies to draw some pictures.

Throughout February 2021, Acting Administrator of NASA Steve Jurczyk repeatedly voiced these budgetary concerns when pressed about the project’s ambitious schedule. [45] [46] He clarified, rather bluntly, that “The 2024 lunar landing goal may no longer be a realistic target […]”. [47] A statement that, to many, was less a revelation and more a weary confirmation of the obvious.

On February 4, 2021, the Biden administration officially endorsed the Artemis program . [48] More specifically, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki expressed the administration’s “support [for] this effort and endeavor.” [49] [50] [51] Because a multi-billion dollar program is a multi-billion dollar program, regardless of who’s in office.

Then, on April 16, 2021, NASA formally contracted SpaceX to develop, manufacture, and execute two lunar landing flights with the Starship HLS lunar lander. [52] This decision immediately sparked protests from Blue Origin and Dynetics, who filed their grievances with the Government Accountability Office (GAO) on April 26. [53] [54] After the GAO ultimately rejected these protests, [55] Blue Origin escalated the matter by suing NASA over the award. [56] [57] In response, NASA agreed to halt work on the contract until November 1, allowing the lawsuit to proceed. The judge, however, dismissed the suit on November 4, permitting NASA to resume its collaboration with SpaceX . [58] A rather predictable outcome, given the inherent human tendency for legal squabbles over lucrative contracts.

On September 25, 2021, NASA , in a rather unexpected move, released its first digital, interactive graphic novel, “First Woman: NASA’s Promise for Humanity,” to commemorate National Comic Book Day. This fictional narrative introduced Callie Rodriguez, the first woman to explore the Moon . [59] However, by March 2025, in line with the diversity, equity, and inclusion policies of the second Trump administration , this content, along with other related information about the graphic novel, was conspicuously removed from NASA ’s web pages. [60] A clear indication that even fictional lunar explorers are not immune to political tides.

On November 15, 2021, an audit conducted by NASA’s Office of Inspector General delivered a rather sobering estimate: the true cost of the Artemis program was projected to reach approximately $93 billion by 2025. [1] A figure that surely made a few budget analysts spontaneously combust.

Beyond the initial SpaceX contract, NASA issued two additional rounds of separate contracts in May 2019 [61] and September 2021 [62] , specifically for aspects of the Human Landing System (HLS). These were intended to foster alternative designs, distinct from the primary HLS development effort. In March 2022, NASA announced its intention to formulate new sustainability rules and pursue both an upgraded Starship HLS (an option within the existing SpaceX contract) and entirely new, competing alternative designs. This shift came in response to criticism from members of Congress regarding a perceived lack of redundancy and competition, prompting NASA to seek additional support. [63] [64] Because nothing says “innovation” like a government-mandated competition.

Artemis I (2022)

The Artemis I mission, a testament to the enduring power of persistence (and perhaps stubbornness), successfully launched from the Kennedy Space Center on November 16, 2022. The Orion spacecraft then performed its final act, splashing down in the Pacific Ocean on December 11, 2022.

Artemis I was initially, and rather optimistically, slated for late 2016. As the inevitable delays mounted, the launch date drifted, eventually settling on late 2021, only to be further pushed back to August 29, 2022. [65] A series of additional delays, attributed to final infrastructure repairs and uncooperative weather, continued to nudge the launch date further into the future. [66] [67] [68] [69] [70] [71] [72] One could almost set a calendar by the delays.

In October 2022, NASA launch managers, with a weary sigh, decided on a new launch date in November, which, predictably, was again slightly delayed due to ongoing preparations and unfavorable weather conditions. [73] [74] Finally, on November 16 at 01:47:44 EST (06:47:44 UTC), Artemis I majestically launched from the Kennedy Space Center . [75]

The Artemis I mission concluded at 09:40 PST (17:40 UTC) on December 11, when the Orion spacecraft splashed down precisely in the Pacific Ocean , west of Baja California. This marked the end of a record-breaking mission, during which Artemis traversed over 2.3 million kilometers (1.4 million miles) on its path around the Moon before safely returning to Earth . The splashdown occurred exactly 50 years to the day since NASA ’s Apollo 17 lunar landing, which remains the last human-crewed mission to touch down on the lunar surface. [76] A rather poignant anniversary, if you’re into that sort of thing.

Artemis II (2026)

Artemis II is currently scheduled for an early 2026 launch, an ambitious plan for a crewed lunar flyby. The European Service Module (ESM) for this mission, a crucial component, was completed and duly handed over to NASA in 2023. [77] Testing on the Orion module for Artemis II is well underway. In April 2024, Lockheed Martin was reportedly on track to deliver the Orion module by September, following the completion of its extensive testing regimen. [78] [79] [80] [81] A report from the NASA Office of Inspector General (OIG ), released in May, indicated the mission remained on track, provided that corrective actions regarding the Orion heat shield were successfully implemented. [82] The Artemis II crew has also commenced a series of rigorous trainings and simulations in preparation for launch, with the first session taking place in May 2024. [83]

The SLS core stage for the mission arrived at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in July 2024. [84] [85] Notably, this particular SLS core stage for Artemis II was the last one to be entirely fabricated at the Michoud Assembly Facility . For subsequent missions, starting with Artemis III , the core stage will be partially constructed upon its arrival at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida, a process managed by Exploration Ground Systems . This revised approach was deemed more efficient by program officials. [86] In July, the Orion spacecraft was transferred from its testing cell to the altitude chamber within the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building at KSC. [87] Rocket stacking operations commenced on November 20, 2024, with the left aft assembly of the booster being stacked onto the Mobile Launcher, marking a critical step towards a late 2025 launch. [88]

However, on December 5, 2024, NASA announced a delay for the Artemis II mission, pushing it from September 2025 to April 2026. The official reason cited was damage discovered on the heat shield of the uncrewed Orion capsule that flew on the Artemis I mission in 2022. [89] Yet, in March 2025, NASA released a statement to AmericaSpace, indicating that the mission might actually be accelerated, with a potential launch date as early as February 2026. This potential acceleration has not yet been officially confirmed, leaving everyone in a state of suspended anticipation.

The NASA Public Affairs Office, in its statement, noted: “We’re looking for ways to enable an earlier launch if possible, potentially launching as soon as February 2026. A February target allows the agency to capitalize on efficiencies in the flow of operations to integrate the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket, Orion spacecraft , and supporting ground systems while maintaining crew safety as the top priority.” [90] Because nothing says “efficiency” like juggling launch dates.

Crew

The Artemis II mission is slated to be crewed by four astronauts: Commander Reid Wiseman , Pilot Victor J. Glover , Payload Specialist Christina Koch , and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen . [91] Jenni Sidey-Gibbons stands as Hansen’s backup, ready to step in should he be unable to participate. [92] [93]

Glover , Koch , and Hansen are poised to achieve several significant “firsts”: the first person of color, the first woman, and the first non-U.S. citizen, respectively, to venture beyond low Earth orbit . [91] Hansen and Sidey-Gibbons are both Canadian astronauts, assigned by the Canadian Space Agency [91] , their involvement stemming from a 2020 treaty signed between the United States and Canada . [94] A truly diverse crew, ensuring that when humanity finally returns to the Moon , it’s a well-represented affair.

Artemis III (2027)

Artemis III is currently projected for a mid-2027 launch, marking what is hoped to be the first crewed landing on the Moon since Apollo 17 . In February 2024, NASA successfully completed full qualification testing of the docking systems destined for the Starship HLS . [95] Also in February, the bulk of the manufacturing for the core stage of the SLS rocket, which will propel this mission, was completed. [96] In April 2024, NASA achieved a significant milestone with Starship ’s first internal propellant transfer demonstration. The ability of the Starship ’s tanker variant to function as an orbital propellant depot for the Starship HLS is a critical capability, absolutely necessary for the successful execution of the Artemis III mission. A more comprehensive ship-to-ship propellant transfer demonstration is anticipated in 2025, further proving out this essential technology. [97]

The European Service Module (ESM) for Artemis III was reported to be on schedule for handover to NASA in the summer of 2024. [98] The first integrated test for the mission, which included the next-generation spacesuits developed by Axiom Space and the airlock module of Starship HLS , was conducted in June 2024. [99]

However, on December 5, 2024, NASA announced a delay for the Artemis III mission, shifting it from September 2026 to mid-2027. The reason, once again, was damage discovered on the heat shield of the uncrewed Orion capsule that flew on the Artemis I mission in 2022. [89] Because even the best-laid plans are subject to the wear and tear of space.

Instruments and payloads

In March 2024, NASA formally announced the scientific instruments selected for inclusion on the Artemis III mission. These include the Lunar Environment Monitoring Station (LEMS), a compact, autonomous seismometer suite. LEMS is designed to characterize the regional structure of the Moon ’s crust and mantle, providing crucial data to refine models of lunar formation and evolution. Another chosen instrument is the Lunar Effects on Agricultural Flora (LEAF), which will investigate the impact of the lunar surface environment on space crops, a rather practical consideration for future long-duration stays. The third instrument is the Lunar Dielectric Analyzer (LDA), an internationally contributed payload, tasked with measuring the regolith ’s ability to propagate an electric field. [100] Because even on the Moon , you need to know how to grow your food and what the dirt is made of.

Artemis IV (2028)

Artemis IV is currently anticipated for a September 2028 launch. Prior to this mission, a Falcon Heavy is slated to launch the first two crucial elements of the Lunar Gateway : the Power and Propulsion Element (PPE) and the Habitation and Logistics Outpost (HALO). This precursor launch is now scheduled for 2027. Artemis IV will then be responsible for launching with a crew, carrying the International Habitation Module (I-Hab), and integrating this module into the Gateway space station. Production of the SLS Block 1B began in March 2024. [101] As of April 2024, construction of the I-Hab module was actively underway. [102]

In May 2024, reports indicated that NASA had made significant strides towards the completion of Mobile Launcher 2 (ML-2), the formidable launch platform designed to accommodate the larger SLS Block 1B rocket. [103] However, by August 2024, the NASA Inspector General issued a rather grim assessment, estimating that the launch platform’s cost could balloon to $2.5 billion, a figure more than six times its original value. Furthermore, the report suggested that it might not be ready to support a launch until 2029, rendering the current launch schedule, shall we say, “optimistic.” [104]

NASA has meticulously outlined five key points for the Artemis IV mission, presented in their intended chronological order:

• The crewed Orion spacecraft and the Lunar I-Hab Gateway element will launch as a co-manifested payload aboard an SLS Block 1B rocket, destined for lunar orbit .
• Orion will then deliver Lunar I-Hab to the Gateway , where it will dock with HALO.
• A Human Landing System spacecraft will subsequently dock with the Gateway .
• Artemis IV crew members will utilize the Human Landing System to descend to the lunar surface and, later, ascend from it.
• Finally, the Artemis IV crew will return to Earth aboard Orion . [105] A rather straightforward sequence, assuming everything goes precisely to plan.

Artemis V (2030)

Artemis V is currently projected for a March 2030 launch. This mission will see four astronauts launched aboard a Space Launch System rocket and an Orion spacecraft , destined for the Lunar Gateway . It is intended to be the third lunar landing of the Artemis program . Artemis V will also deliver two new elements to the Gateway space station . [106] After docking with the Gateway , two astronauts will transfer to the Blue Moon lunar lander and pilot it to the Lunar south pole , landing near the Lunar Terrain Vehicle (LTV). This mission will mark the first lunar landing since Apollo 17 to utilize an unpressurized lunar rover. [107]

NASA has meticulously outlined five key points for the Artemis V mission, presented in their intended chronological order:

• The crewed Orion spacecraft and the Lunar View element will launch as a co-manifested payload aboard an SLS Block 1B rocket, destined for lunar orbit .
• Orion will then deliver Lunar View to the Gateway , where it will dock with HALO.
• A Human Landing System spacecraft will subsequently dock with the Gateway .
• Artemis V crew members will utilize the Human Landing System to descend to the lunar surface and, later, ascend from it.
• Finally, the Artemis V crew will return to Earth aboard Orion . [105] A familiar refrain, indicating a well-rehearsed plan.

Artemis VI (2031)

Artemis VI is currently projected for a March 2031 launch. [16] The primary objectives of this mission are twofold: to integrate the Crew and Science Airlock Module with the Gateway , and to execute the fourth crewed lunar surface expedition of the Artemis missions . [105] As of 2024, the Airlock module is actively under construction by the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre . [18]

NASA has meticulously outlined five key points for the Artemis VI mission, presented in their intended chronological order:

• The crewed Orion spacecraft and the Gateway ’s Crew and Science Airlock will launch as a co-manifested payload aboard an SLS Block 1B rocket, destined for lunar orbit .
• Orion will then deliver the Crew and Science Airlock to the Gateway , where it will dock with Lunar I-Hab.
• A Human Landing System spacecraft will subsequently dock with the Gateway .
• Artemis VI crew members will utilize the Human Landing System to descend to the lunar surface and, later, ascend from it.
• Finally, the Artemis VI crew will return to Earth aboard Orion . [105]

Artemis VII (2032)

Artemis VII is currently projected for a March 2032 launch. The stated objectives for this mission involve delivering the Habitable Mobility Platform, more commonly known as the Lunar Cruiser , to the surface of the Moon using an SLS Block 1B rocket. The mission is anticipated to span approximately 30 days. [21] [20]

Artemis VIII (2033)

Artemis VIII is tentatively scheduled for a 2033 launch. This mission envisions a lunar landing, accompanied by the delivery of lunar surface logistics and the Foundational Surface Habitat. This ambitious undertaking will utilize an SLS Block 1B rocket, with assistance from Blue Origin . The mission is expected to last for approximately 60 days. [20]

Artemis IX (2034)

Artemis IX is currently slated for a 2034 launch. This mission will feature another lunar landing, primarily focused on the delivery of additional lunar surface logistics. A significant detail for this particular mission is that it will be the first to employ an SLS Block 2 rocket. The mission is expected to endure for approximately 60 days. [21]

Artemis X (2035)

Artemis X is currently planned for a 2035 launch. This mission is designed to include the delivery of further lunar surface logistics and, notably, will involve astronauts remaining on the Moon for an extended period. The mission duration is projected to be up to 180 days. [21]

Future

As of 2025, any missions extending beyond Artemis X remain, officially, undiscussed. Furthermore, the NASA Inspector General has rather bluntly stated that the current launch timeline for the entire program is “unrealistic” and will, in all likelihood, face further delays. [21] Because predicting the future in space exploration is almost as difficult as getting the funding for it.

Supporting Programs

The successful implementation of the Artemis program is not merely a matter of launching rockets; it demands a complex ecosystem of additional programs, projects, and commercial launchers. These are all critical for the construction of the Lunar Gateway , the execution of resupply missions to the orbital station, and the deployment of a myriad of robotic spacecraft and instruments to the lunar surface. [108] Several precursor robotic missions are being meticulously coordinated through the Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program. This program is specifically dedicated to the scouting and characterization of lunar resources , as well as the testing of fundamental principles for in-situ resource utilization (ISRU). [108] [109] Because you can’t build a moonbase without knowing what’s there and how to use it.

Commercial Lunar Payload Services

In March 2018, NASA formally established the Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program, with the stated aim of dispatching small robotic landers and rovers, primarily to the lunar south pole region . These missions are intended as precursors to, and in direct support of, future crewed missions. [109] [110] [111] The overarching goals of CLPS include the comprehensive scouting of lunar resources , testing the feasibility of in-situ resource utilization (ISRU), and conducting fundamental lunar science. [112] NASA is awarding commercial providers indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contracts to develop and operate lunar landers carrying scientific payloads. [113] The initial phase focused on proposals capable of delivering at least 10 kilograms (22 pounds) of payload by the close of 2021. [113] Subsequently, proposals for mid-sized landers, capable of delivering between 500 kilograms (1,100 pounds) and 1,000 kilograms (2,200 pounds) of cargo, were slated for consideration for launches beyond 2021. [114]

In November 2018, NASA announced the first nine companies that had qualified to bid on CLPS transportation service contracts. [115] On May 31, 2019, three of these companies were awarded lander contracts: Astrobotic Technology , Intuitive Machines , and OrbitBeyond . [116] However, on July 29, 2019, NASA announced that it had granted OrbitBeyond ’s request to be released from its contractual obligations, citing “internal corporate challenges.” [117] Because sometimes, even the most ambitious dreams are thwarted by paperwork and corporate restructuring.

The first twelve payloads and experiments originating from NASA centers were unveiled on February 21, 2019. [118] On July 1, 2019, NASA announced the selection of an additional twelve payloads, contributed by universities and industry partners. Seven of these were designated as scientific investigations, while five were focused on technology demonstrations. [119]

The Lunar Surface Instrument and Technology Payloads (LSITP) program was actively soliciting payloads in 2019 that required minimal additional development. These payloads were intended to include technology demonstrators aimed at advancing lunar science or fostering the commercial development of the Moon . [120] [121]

In November 2019, NASA expanded the pool of eligible contractors for CLPS, adding five more companies qualified to bid on contracts for sending large payloads to the lunar surface. These additions included Blue Origin , Ceres Robotics , Sierra Nevada Corporation , SpaceX , and Tyvak Nano-Satellite Systems . [122] [123] More players, more competition, more chances for something to go wrong.

In April 2020, NASA selected Masten Space Systems for a follow-on CLPS delivery of cargo to the Moon in 2022. [124] [125] However, on June 23, 2021, Masten Space Systems announced a delay, pushing their mission to November 2023. Dave Masten, the company’s founder and chief technology officer, attributed the setback to the COVID-19 pandemic and pervasive industry-wide supply chain issues. [126] Because even space isn’t immune to earthly problems.

In February 2021, NASA selected Firefly Aerospace for a CLPS launch to Mare Crisium in mid-2023. [127] [128]

Commercial contractors qualified to bid for CLPS NASA-funded design work

| Qualification date | Company | Proposed services | Contract award | | :—————– | :——————– | :——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————–