The mock-up, built for Blue Origin's Blue Moon Mark 2 lander, includes an exterior ladder for moonwalks and will be used for mission simulations. Blue Origin's lander, standing about 52 feet tall, will launch uncrewed on the New Glenn rocket and meet astronauts aboard NASA's Orion spacecraft in lunar orbit. The crew cabin at the lander's base will house two astronauts for living, working, and conducting science.
NASA and Blue Origin will use the prototype for human-in-the-loop tests, including mission scenarios, spacesuit checkouts, and simulated moonwalks. The mock-up will evolve into an integrated simulator for training with ground flight control teams. NASA is working with Blue Origin and SpaceX to develop human landing systems.
Following Artemis II, Artemis III next year will test critical systems in Earth orbit, including rendezvous and docking with commercial landers. Artemis IV and V in 2028 will return astronauts to the Moon using these landers.