NASA has outlined its next steps in lunar exploration following the successful splashdown of the Artemis II mission.
The space administration has now signalled a transition towards a more advanced mission for Artemis III and IV.
The Artemis II spacecraft returned safely to Earth after a 10-day journey around the Moon, marking the first crewed lunar flyby in over 50 years.
NASA officials and mission planners have indicated that after reaching this milestone, attention will now turn to future missions that are intended to test lunar landing capabilities and increase human presence beyond Earth.
The success of Artemis II is being seen as a critical turning point in modern space exploration.
NASA's next major mission, Artemis III, is expected to build on the success of Artemis II by testing key technologies required for future Moon landings.
NASA aims to accomplish the first crewed Moon landing under the Artemis programme during Artemis IV, tentatively scheduled for 2028.
The organization's overarching goal is to develop a sustained lunar presence as a prelude to a future human mission to Mars.
