Artemis is NASA’s campaign to return astronauts to the Moon while building capabilities for sustained deep-space exploration. The program links the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft with lunar surface systems, science missions, commercial services, and international partnerships.

Each flight adds a new layer of operational experience. Uncrewed testing established the integrated launch and deep-space spacecraft system; crewed missions expand life-support, navigation, communications, reentry, and recovery experience farther from Earth.

The campaign is designed to turn individual missions into an enduring exploration architecture. Work at the Moon provides science and teaches crews and controllers how to operate farther from Earth for longer periods before future human missions to Mars.