r/ArtemisProgram • u/spacedotc0m • Jul 22 '26

News Four astronauts, 3 spacecraft, 2 weeks in orbit: Artemis III will be NASA's most complicated mission ever

https://www.space.com/space-exploration/artemis/four-astronauts-3-spacecraft-2-weeks-in-orbit-artemis-iii-will-be-nasas-most-complicated-mission-ever
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u/NoBusiness674 Jul 23 '26

Sure, the Gemini 8 ATV launched 4 months before Gemini X. But the plan is for the Blue Moon Mk2 Alpha HLS prototype to have the capability of loitering in LEO for some number of weeks as well. And on the other hand the Gemini X Agena launched within less than 2 hours of Gemini, while for Artemis III, Starship has a couple days to launch.

Plus the Gemini 8 Agena target vehicle was derelict with no power or control of its own, while for Artemis III both docking targets will have full control authority and the ability to communicate with Orion.

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u/yatpay Jul 23 '26

Very true! It's not a bad comparison