Artemis III & Starship: The Return of Humans to the Lunar Surface
For the first time since 1972, humans are going back to the Moon. But this time, they're arriving in a futuristic Starship HLS. Artemis III is the mission that will land the first woman and first person of color on the lunar south pole. DH Research Lab monitors mission parameters and orbital trajectories to help you observe the lunar south pole candidates from your own backyard.
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01Why the South Pole?
Unlike the Apollo missions which landed near the lunar equator, Artemis III targets the Lunar South Pole.
The Objective:
- Water Ice: Permanently shadowed regions (PSRs) contain water ice that can be converted into rocket fuel and breathable oxygen.
- Peak of Eternal Light: Some crater rims receive near-constant sunlight, providing an infinite source of solar power.
02Observing the Landing Sites
You can't see the astronauts, but you can see where they'll be. The Shackleton Crater area is the primary target for Artemis III.
Target Crater
Look for Shackleton (89.9°S) right at the lunar terminator during a waxing/waning crescent.
Libration
Wait for a favorable 'Lunar Libration' to tilt the south pole towards Earth for a better view.
High-Res Imaging
Use a long-focal-length telescope (2000mm+) to capture the rugged peaks of the south polar region.
03The Starship HLS Factor
SpaceX's Human Landing System (Starship HLS) is a behemoth compared to the Apollo Lunar Module. It requires several 'refueling' launches in LEO before it can head to the Moon. DH Mission Control will provide orbital elements for these propellant transfer missions as they become available.
Observer Alert
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:When will Artemis III land on the Moon?
NASA's current target is late 2026. However, this is dependent on the completion of the SpaceX Starship HLS flight tests and the successful Artemis II crewed lunar flyby.
Q:Can I see Starship going to the Moon with a telescope?
Despite Starship's 50m height, at lunar distance (384,000km) it will be a tiny pinpoint of light, estimated magnitude 15-16, making it a challenge reserved for advanced amateur telescopes (10-inch+ aperture).
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