Blue Origin has integrated a Blue Moon Mark 2 test article into NASA's revised Artemis III mission profile. The lander will launch to low-Earth orbit aboard a New Glenn vehicle to perform rendezvous and crew-ingress demonstrations before potential selection for Artemis IV lunar surface operations.
Under the updated plan, Orion will launch on the Space Launch System to rendezvous with Blue Moon in LEO. Artemis III astronauts will spend two days attached to the lander, ingressing the cabin to evaluate environmental control and life-support systems, flight avionics, software interfaces, and manual controls.
Manufacturing of the test article is progressing at Blue Origin's Florida facilities. Structural fabrication of dome and barrel panels is underway, with final hull welding expected to complete by January 2027. Communication systems, flight controls, and avionics will follow, with testing and vehicle encapsulation in New Glenn's fairing at Launch Complex 36A.
For Artemis IV, targeted for 2028, NASA outlined an accelerated concept using an Elliptical Polar Orbit around the Moon. Three Transfer Stages will join the Blue Moon Mk2 lander in LEO, staging off sequentially as propellant depletes. Orion will dock with Blue Moon in lunar orbit, then the third Transfer Stage will execute the descent burn to the lunar surface.
Blue Origin plans an uncrewed landing demonstration before flying crew on Artemis IV. The company competes with SpaceX for selection, with NASA basing its choice on performance during Artemis III.
At Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Blue Origin completed major structural repairs following a May anomaly at Launch Complex 36A. All nine modules of the Vehicle Access Tower are now reassembled. Blue Origin targets return to flight by late 2026. Adjacent construction at Launch Complex 36B continues, with concrete pours underway for pile caps to support the larger New Glenn configuration.