The Moon is being explored by government agencies, universities, and commercial partners using orbiters, landers, rovers, sample-return spacecraft, and new crewed systems. Mission status can change quickly, so this page explains the modern lunar exploration landscape without promising a continuously maintained operational registry.
What counts as a Moon mission?
Lunar missions include spacecraft that orbit the Moon, land on its surface, deploy rovers or instruments, return samples, test navigation and communications, or support future human exploration. Some missions remain scientifically useful for years; others complete a brief landing or technology demonstration.
Long-lived lunar orbiters
Orbiters map surface composition, gravity, topography, radiation, ice-bearing regions, and potential landing sites. NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, for example, has created a detailed record of the surface and documented changes produced by later missions and natural impacts.
Robotic landers and rovers
China’s Chang’e program, India’s Chandrayaan program, Japan’s SLIM mission, and commercial lunar delivery efforts have expanded the range of landing technologies and surface science. A successful landing does not necessarily mean a long operating lifetime: thermal conditions, terrain, communications, power, and dust can end surface operations quickly.
Samples from the Moon
Lunar samples reveal the Moon’s volcanic history, impact record, interior evolution, and relationship to Earth. Modern sample-return missions can target regions not represented in the Apollo and Luna collections, helping scientists test how representative the older samples are.
Returning people to lunar space
NASA’s Artemis program and international partners are developing the spacecraft, launch systems, suits, landers, communications, and lunar-orbit infrastructure required for future crewed missions. Schedules remain sensitive to testing, budgets, hardware readiness, and safety reviews.
Checking current mission status
This guide was source-checked on July 29, 2026. For current operations, consult the responsible agency or mission team, including NASA Moon exploration, ESA exploration, and the official pages of national lunar programs. Announced missions should be treated as plans until launch and successful commissioning.
