SpaceX and NASA have unveiled a series of images simulating how the Starship launch system will land astronauts from the Artemis program on the surface of the Moon.
Simulation of the Human Landing System (HLS) version of Starship, built by SpaceX, landing on the Moon’s surface as part of NASA’s Artemis program. (Photo: SpaceX).
The new series of images showcases various phases that SpaceX’s reusable Starship launch system will execute during NASA’s Artemis 3 Moon landing mission, which is expected to take place as early as 2026, according to Space on November 21.
Specifically, the white version known as the Human Landing System (HLS) of Starship will dock its nose with NASA’s Orion spacecraft in lunar orbit. Astronauts aboard Orion will transfer to Starship, which will then land them on the Moon’s surface, marking the first human footsteps on this celestial body since 1972.
Simulation of HLS docking its nose with the Orion spacecraft (above) and coupling its belly with the standard Starship version (below). (Photo: SpaceX).
One of the new images depicts two Starship vehicles, one standard version and one HLS version, connecting their bellies to transfer fuel from one to the other. Since HLS carries heavy equipment for the Moon, it requires a significant amount of fuel to escape Earth’s gravity. It will need to refuel en route to the Moon, which means SpaceX must develop orbital refueling technology. The company has tested a form of fuel transfer during the third test flight of Starship.
The HLS version of Starship has a significantly different structure compared to the standard version. In the simulation images, HLS is equipped with windows for the crew to look outside and lacks the fins seen on the standard version. It also features a glossy white exterior, unlike the stainless steel exterior with the typical black thermal protection tiles.
Simulation of astronauts descending to the Moon’s surface after exiting HLS via an elevator. (Photo: SpaceX).
Other simulation images show HLS igniting two of its six Raptor engines to decelerate and land on the Moon. Following this, two astronauts wearing Axiom Space spacesuits descend to the Moon’s surface using an elevator.
Astronauts Peggy Whitson (Axiom Space) and Doug Wheelock (NASA) tested this feature in June 2024. They wore Axiom Space spacesuits and conducted tests with the HLS model at SpaceX’s headquarters in California. The test confirmed that there is enough space in the airtight cabin, floor, and elevator of HLS for astronauts to perform their tasks while wearing Axiom suits.
NASA has postponed the Artemis 3 mission to September 2026, with the original target being 2024. This delay is attributed to hardware development issues, including problems with the thermal shield of the Orion spacecraft and the extended development timeline for Starship to prepare the vehicle for orbital flight.
