NASA announced Friday a major overhaul of its Artemis moon exploration program, aiming to make it more like the fast-paced Apollo missions of the 1960s. The agency plans to add an extra practice flight before attempting a crewed lunar landing in 2028.

The change comes just two days after NASA’s new moon rocket returned to its hangar for repairs, and a safety advisory panel warned the agency to temper its ambitious plans for the first lunar landing since 1972. Artemis II, originally a lunar fly-around with four astronauts, is now delayed until at least April due to rocket issues.

Moon is more geologically active than previously thought

Artemis III, which had targeted a landing near the moon’s south pole in about three years, will now focus on sending a lunar lander into Earth orbit in 2027 for docking practice with astronauts in the Orion capsule. This adjustment comes amid concerns over the readiness of lunar landers and spacewalking suits. NASA plans one or possibly two moon landings in 2028.

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said long gaps between missions are unacceptable, citing hydrogen fuel leaks and helium flow problems that have affected the Space Launch System rocket since its first test flight in 2022. Isaacman, a tech billionaire and former private astronaut, took charge of NASA in December. He stressed that the pace of Apollo missions — with successive flights before the first landing — should guide Artemis.

To accelerate the schedule and reduce risk, NASA will standardize its Space Launch System rockets. Meanwhile, SpaceX and Blue Origin are working to fast-track the development of lunar landers. Next year, astronauts in Orion will rendezvous in Earth orbit with SpaceX’s Starship, Blue Origin’s Blue Moon, or both, mirroring the methodical Apollo approach.

Isaacman said the revised Artemis plan addresses safety panel concerns, enjoys industry support, and aligns with administration goals. “We’re returning to basics and doing what we know works,” he said.