# NASA and ESA space exploration initiatives

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/nasa-and-esa-space-exploration-initiatives
> Updated: 2026-10-24T06:45:00.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

Space agencies are advancing multiple deep space and lunar exploration programs. NASA is working toward its Artemis mission timelines, with Artemis III and IV scheduled for 2027 and 2028 to return astronauts to the lunar south pole. To support these efforts, NASA is evaluating lander options from private companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin.

In parallel, the European Space Agency (ESA) is developing the OASIS project, a proposed lunar outpost designed to serve as a power and communication hub to maintain scientific instruments during the lunar night. 

Additionally, NASA’s Lucy mission has reached its five-year milestone. The unmanned probe, launched in October 2021, is traveling to study 11 Jupiter Trojan asteroids over a 12-year period to gather data on the early solar system. Having already completed flybys of asteroids such as Dinkinesh and Donaldjohanson, the spacecraft is currently en route to its next target, Eurybates, scheduled for August 2027.

## Claims

- The NASA Lucy mission aims to visit 11 asteroids over a 12-year period. (single source)
- The Lucy probe has visited three asteroids during its flight. (single source)
- ESA's OASIS project aims to provide power and communication on the Moon. (single source)
- OHB has been selected to develop the OASIS feasibility study. (single source)
- NASA's Artemis III mission is planned for summer 2027. (single source)
- NASA's Artemis IV mission is scheduled for 2028. (single source)
- China plans to land on the Moon by the end of 2030. (single source)
- The Lucy probe was launched from Earth on October 16, 2021. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-24: NASA and ESA advance lunar and deep space exploration missions

NASA and ESA are advancing lunar exploration through the Artemis program and the OASIS infrastructure project, while the Lucy mission continues its five-year journey to study Jupiter's Trojan asteroids.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nasa-and-esa-advance-lunar-and-deep-space-exploration-missions

### 2026-10-22: NASA Lucy mission marks five years of asteroid exploration

Five years after launch, NASA’s Lucy spacecraft is nearing its destination to explore the Jupiter Trojan asteroids after successful flybys of Dinkinesh and Donaldjohanson.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nasa-lucy-mission-marks-five-years-of-asteroid-exploration

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Cite as: NASA and ESA space exploration initiatives. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/nasa-and-esa-space-exploration-initiatives