NASA to Launch Artemis 3 SLS Without Upper Stage

NASA has announced revised plans for the Artemis 3 mission, confirming that the Space Launch System (SLS) will launch without an active upper stage. Instead of the Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (ICPS), which is no longer in production, the rocket will carry an inert spacer with identical dimensions. This strategic adjustment allows the final available ICPS to be reserved for the Artemis 4 mission, scheduled for 2028, while providing additional time to integrate the Centaur upper stage for future flights starting with Artemis 5. Consequently, Artemis 3 will remain in low Earth orbit rather than attempting a lunar landing. The mission's primary objective is to test rendezvous and docking capabilities between the Orion spacecraft and lunar lander prototypes developed by Blue Origin and SpaceX. Although originally targeted for mid-2027, the launch window may shift to late 2027. NASA is currently defining operational concepts, including potential astronaut entry into lander test articles, and coordinating the complex multi-launch campaign. Key decisions regarding crew selection and spacesuit testing remain pending as the agency adapts to these significant structural changes in the Artemis program.