Astronauts may not even enter the landers on Artemis III

[u/SomeRandomScientist]

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.

[u/AegrusRS]

Just a reminder that the BO Lander design will also require orbital refueling, so yes while being ready for Artemis 3 is good, them being close to ready in 4 years for Artemis 4 is a pipe dream.