The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is adding a new Earth orbit docking test to its Artemis moon program before attempting to land astronauts on the lunar surface, marking a significant overhaul of its long-delayed exploration effort. The newly planned 2027 mission will test how the Orion crew capsule docks with lunar landers developed by SpaceX and Blue Origin, a critical step before a crewed landing now targeted for 2028. Agency chief Jared Isaacman said the added mission is the most reliable path to achieving a successful landing within the desired timeframe, especially as China advances toward its own crewed lunar goal.

As part of the reshuffle, the agency canceled a planned upgrade to the Space Launch System rocket and will instead focus on increasing production and launching at least once per year. The change affects a major contract to build a more powerful upper stage for the rocket. The adjustments come as the program faces technical setbacks, including hydrogen fuel leaks and upper stage issues that have delayed the upcoming crewed flight around the moon, and reflect mounting pressure to accelerate progress and ensure safety before returning astronauts to the lunar surface for the first time since 1972.