NASA has released the operational sequence for refueling the SpaceX Starship Human Landing System landing module (HLS) in Earth orbit before the Artemis IV mission, the first planned manned landing on the Moon.
The updated flight plan was presented at the agency's briefing at the end of October 2026 year. It reflects a multi-stage sequence of actions, necessary for preparing and refueling the upper stage of the landing module in space before going to the Moon.
The plan comes amid a debate over the number of previous tanker launches. Previously, the US Accounting Chamber assessed the need for 16 launches. In October 2026 NASA Aerospace Safety Panel member Charlie Precourt said, that it may take up to 22 launches. Elon Musk disputed this assessment, noting, що реальна кількість польотів становитиме близько 6–8.
Згідно з архітектурою NASA, кілька танкерів Starship доставлятимуть рідкий метан і рідкий кисень на орбітальне депо палива. After it is filled, the unmanned upper stage of the HLS starts, docks with the depot, receives a full supply of fuel and executes the momentum of the transition to the trajectory to the Moon.
Orbital refueling validation remains a critical phase of the Artemis program. After the reorientation of Artemis III for orbital testing, it is Artemis IV that is to become the first manned landing on the south pole of the Moon. Before full-fledged unmanned lunar flights, it is planned to conduct a demonstration of cryogenic transfer of fuel in orbit.
Source: https://satnews.com