What to Watch in Space in 2026: Moon Missions, an Eclipse and New Telescopes

Several high-profile space events are expected in 2026, including crewed lunar flights, robotic landings, a total solar eclipse and the start of major astronomical surveys. Early in 2026 NASA plans to launch Artemis II, a roughly 10-day crewed mission that will send four astronauts around the moon and back.

The crew—Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen—would mark several firsts if the flight occurs: Mr. Glover as the first Black person and Ms. Koch as the first woman to travel around the moon, and Mr. Hansen as the first non‑American. A successful flight would demonstrate the safety of the Orion capsule; the mission could launch as soon as February.

Landing astronauts on the moon remains a separate challenge. NASA’s Artemis III depends on SpaceX’s Starship to land two crew near the lunar south pole; the agency had targeted mid‑2027 but sought alternative proposals late in 2024 and a presidential executive order set 2028 as the current goal.

Two 2026 developments could influence the lunar timeline: SpaceX plans further Starship test flights that could revive its schedule, and Blue Origin plans a robotic lunar landing with a Blue Moon vehicle in 2026 that could position the company as an alternate lander provider for NASA.

Key Topics

Science, Artemis Ii, Nasa, Orion Capsule, Spacex, Starship