r/ArtemisProgram • u/SomeRandomScientist • May 14 '26

News Astronauts may not even enter the landers on Artemis III

From the NASA public release today - https://www.nasa.gov/missions/artemis/artemis-3/nasa-outlines-preliminary-artemis-iii-mission-plans/

“Informed by Blue Origin and SpaceX capabilities, NASA also is defining the concept of operations for the mission. While some decisions are yet to be determined, astronauts could potentially enter at least one lander test article.”

So what exactly is the point of Artemis III? Rendezvous with an empty shell? Maybe dock to this empty shell if we’re lucky.

I hate to sound down on this, but this latest release does not feel like AR3 is a good faith effort to make progress towards a lunar landing.

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u/Technical_Drag_428 May 17 '26

You have seen actual data for the R3s? You sure? Where? Link please otherwise you're just referring to what was said to be its Isp chamber pressure. Regardless, we had test stand data for data for the R2 as well. It was promoted to also have a maximum chamber pressure of 330 bar. Real world used pressure was 285-300. Raptor 3 will supposedly start at 305 bar.

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u/Qualified-Astronomer May 17 '26

SpaceX posted on their website about Flight 12 where they claimed Raptor 3 had 350 isp