NASA moves Starship docking to Earth orbit to keep 2028 moon landing

NASA confirmed on Friday that it plans to send astronauts to the Moon in 2028. The agency detailed a revised mission structure during a public news conference. The key change involves where SpaceX’s Starship and NASA’s Orion spacecraft will connect.

Under the new plan, Orion and Starship will dock in high-Earth orbit. The two vehicles will then travel together toward the lunar surface. This replaces the previous requirement for the vehicles to meet in a complex orbit near the Moon. NASA officials stated that this adjustment simplifies the trajectory and reduces energy demands on the Starship system.

The shift follows direct requests from SpaceX engineers. In early 2026, SpaceX representatives asked NASA to drop the mandate for a near-rectilinear halo orbit docking. That specific orbit required higher energy levels and presented additional technical challenges. The issue became less critical for SpaceX after NASA canceled the Lunar Gateway project earlier this year. The agency’s latest briefing marks the first time it has fully disclosed this architectural change to the public.

Blue Origin is pursuing a different approach for its lander. Its plan involves four separate launches of the New Glenn rocket. Unlike the SpaceX design, no refueling between vehicles is required in this scenario. Blue Origin’s Blue Moon lander could potentially meet Orion in low-lunar orbit, according to the agency's description.

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman expressed confidence in the revised timeline. He stated that the current path is achievable with the available resources and stakeholder support. "This is an achievable path we are on right now," Isaacman said. "We have the mandate, we have the resources, and the support from our stakeholders to be able to execute, and that's what we intend to do."

The agency maintains that Artemis III is scheduled for summer 2027. This mission will serve as a demonstration where Orion docks with both the Blue Moon and Starship vehicles near Earth. Following that test, Artemis IV, which includes the actual surface landing, remains targeted for 2028. NASA leadership has reviewed every element of the Artemis program to help lander developers work more efficiently. The agency aims to finalize these operational details in the coming months to ensure the 2028 date holds.

The revised plans reflect a strategic move to lower risk in the early stages of the mission. By moving the initial docking to Earth orbit, NASA avoids the complexities of high-energy maneuvers near the Moon. This structural change allows for a more straightforward transfer to the lunar surface. The agency will continue to monitor progress with both commercial partners as development continues.