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The Artemis missions are planned in a complex sequence to ensure the creation of a sustainable lunar base, which would then serve as a launch point for Mars missions. Notably, Artemis 2 is set for a crewed test flight in 2025, and Artemis 3 aims for a lunar landing in 2026. The key to this operation is the construction of the Lunar Gateway, a space station that orbitally supports missions to the Moon and beyond.

A Blueprint for Mars: Preparing Over Time

NASA's roadmap to Mars involves building up lunar infrastructure before embarking on human missions to the red planet. Early Artemis missions (four through eleven) aim to streamline technologies for extracting resources on the Moon, practicing construction with 3D printing, and perfecting life support systems.