Starship will push Orion to the moon

SpaceX's Starship is central to the artemis program, with updated timelines targeting a propellant transfer test in 2026, an uncrewed landing in 2027, and a crewed lunar mission by September 2028. Technical advancements include the debut of the Starship V3 architecture, which features enhanced Raptor 3 engines and a "pusher" configuration to transport the Orion spacecraft. Beyond government contracts, the texts detail commercial spaceflight initiatives, including planned lunar and Martian flybys commanded by private citizens. Significant attention is given to the logistical hurdles of orbital refueling and the development of large-scale habitable cabins for long-term surface stays. Finally, the sources document the economic strategy of lowering deep-space cargo costs to stimulate a self-sustaining lunar industry.