Astronauts 'could be on the moon by 2027' as NASA launches first crewed mission in 50 years

Boffins want to relaunch the Artemis programme, whose aim is to land astronauts and eventually establish a long-term human presence on the lunar surface, and send four astronauts into space next year View 3 Images Boffins want to set up a human presence on the Moon (Image: NASA/Heritage Images via Getty Images)

Astronauts could be on the Moon as soon as 2027 after Nasa unveiled plans for the first crewed lunar mission in 50 years. The space agency hopes to send four astronauts on a ten day trip around the Moon as soon as February next year to test systems. ‌

And if the trip is successful, it could see them launch another mission the following year to actually land on the Moon. Boffins want to relaunch the Artemis programme, whose aim is to land astronauts and eventually e