 Rendering of JAXA's Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) space probe, scheduled to be launched in 2026. | |
This article documents expected notable spaceflight events during the year 2026.
In 2026, NASA is expected to launch the Artemis III mission, which will land astronauts near the south pole of the Moon. It is expected to be the first mission to land humans on the Moon since 1972.
The first Indian crewed spaceflight, Gaganyaan-4, is planned for 2026.[1]
China plans to launch Chang'e 7 to explore the lunar south pole in late 2026.[2] The mission will include an orbiter, a relay satellite, a lander, a rover, and a mini-flying probe.[3]
China also plans to launch Xuntian, a large space telescope that will co-orbit with the Tiangong space station, in 2026.
- ^ "India's Gaganyaan Mission delayed, won't be launched in 2025, announces ISRO". Firstpost. 28 October 2024. Retrieved 28 October 2024.
- ^ Jones, Andrew (19 September 2022). "UAE rover to fly on China's Chang'e-7 lunar south pole mission". SpaceNews. Retrieved 19 September 2022.
- ^ Jones, Andrew (29 March 2022). "Next China moon mission will need precision landing to target ice at south pole". Space.com. Retrieved 8 April 2022.