SpaceX and NASA have successfully completed over 200 docking scenarios using Starship hardware, a significant milestone in preparation for future moon missions with astronauts. The docking scenarios were carried out by engineers at NASA’s Johnson Space Center over a period of 10 days, using hardware from the Starship lander and NASA’s Orion orbiter. These real-world tests will validate the computer models of the moon lander’s docking system, ensuring its effectiveness and reliability.
The Artemis 3 mission, scheduled for no earlier than 2026, will require two spacecraft: the Orion capsule, which will transport astronauts to lunar orbit, and the Starship lander, which will take them to the moon’s south pole. The goal is to establish a permanent settlement in this region, as it contains potential water ice that can be used for fueling and other mission needs.
During the testing, the Starship hardware played an active docking role, while the Orion served as the target docking system. The purpose was to ensure that SpaceX’s soft capture system could extend to Orion, while Orion’s passive system remained retracted. The two hardware pieces joined together through latches and other mechanisms, demonstrating their compatibility and functionality.
Although Starship has not yet reached Earth orbit, its lunar docking system is based on the Dragon 2 docking system, which has been successfully used for International Space Station missions. In future missions following Artemis 3, Starship will dock with NASA’s Gateway space station alongside Orion for astronaut transfer.
SpaceX was initially selected as the winner of the Human Landing System (HLS) contract for the NASA-led Artemis program. This contract aims to bring a coalition of nations to the moon’s surface under the Artemis Accords. While other companies like Blue Origin and Dynetics also competed for the opportunity, SpaceX emerged as the sole winner. However, protests were filed by the competing companies citing concerns with the award process. The protests were ultimately turned down by the Government Accountability Office.
SpaceX’s progress with the Starship has been closely monitored by NASA. The agency has emphasized the need for SpaceX to successfully complete a significant number of launches before granting approval for the Artemis missions. In recent updates, NASA officials have acknowledged SpaceX’s completion of more than 30 HLS specific milestones, including the development of power generation systems, guidance and navigation systems, propulsion mechanisms, life support systems, and protection from the harsh environment of space.
The Artemis 3 landing, along with the Artemis 2 round-the-moon mission, has faced delays due to technical issues and Starship delays. As a result, the Artemis 3 landing is now scheduled for 2026 at the earliest, a year later than originally planned. Despite these setbacks, the collaboration between SpaceX and NASA in completing the docking scenarios is a significant step forward in realizing the ambitious goal of returning astronauts to the moon and establishing a sustainable presence there.