In response to operational and environmental risks associated with landing humans at the lunar south pole, Artemis II pilot Victor Glover advocated on July 22, 2026, for NASA to adjust its surface landing strategy, proposing an initial return to simpler equatorial regions before attempting polar expeditions.
Speaking on flight test risk mitigation strategies, Glover suggested that targeting familiar, daylight equatorial terrain would allow NASA and its commercial landing partners to retire operational risks incrementally rather than confronting the extreme terrain and lighting constraints of the south pole on the initial crewed landing.
Operational Factors and Flight Test Strategy
Landing at the lunar equator offers predictable solar illumination, simplified orbital dynamics, and reduced communication blackout risks compared to the high-latitude south pole. While the south pole remains a strategic target due to volatile resources and permanently shadowed water ice deposits, its steep topography, long shadows, and low-angle solar elevation present severe hazards for landing craft and extravehicular operations.
Glover likened the proposal to traditional flight test programs that expand the operational envelope in stages:
“If you want to go fast, go familiar. We want to get to the surface. If we want to land soon, familiar, daylight, equator… You have a process for accepting risk more and more, but also retiring it right. I think we need to be realistic and work our way to the south pole, and maybe not try to go there first.”
Evolving Artemis Architecture
The suggestion follows recent strategic realignments across the Artemis program, where NASA has adjusted mission manifests to prioritize incremental flight testing of crewed lunar landing architectures. Under current agency plans, initial surface landings target the south polar region, leveraging commercial Human Landing System (HLS) variants developed by SpaceX and Blue Origin.
However, incorporating an equatorial precursor landing would offer opportunities to demonstrate critical surface systems—such as descent guidance, autonomous landing software, hazard avoidance sensors, and environmental control systems—in a less demanding operational environment.
Timeline to Surface Missions
NASA continues to progress toward its surface landing objectives following the successful completion of the crewed Artemis II lunar flyby in April 2026. While the baseline schedule maintains a south pole focus for upcoming landing opportunities, agency leadership and industry contractors continue to evaluate mission profiles, landing site candidates, and risk-management strategies ahead of integrated HLS flight demonstrations.
