NASA’s Moon-to-Mars program is an evolving strategy and exploration architecture, not a single spacecraft or fixed list of missions. It sets broad goals for deep-space exploration, then organizes the capabilities and missions that can help achieve them. Artemis is its clearest crewed lunar campaign; robotic deliveries, lunar-orbit infrastructure and Mars science missions have distinct supporting roles.
What does “Moon to Mars” mean?
NASA’s Moon to Mars Objectives, published in September 2022, define the broad “what” and “why” of human deep-space exploration. The architecture describes how capabilities and mission elements could address those objectives. NASA reviews and updates that architecture annually as technology, discoveries and priorities change, so it should not be read as a frozen flight manifest. NASA’s Moon to Mars Architecture: Strategy and Objectives calls the objectives “the cornerstone of the agency’s strategy for crewed exploration of deep space.”
The objectives span lunar and planetary science, heliophysics, human and biological science, physics and physical science, Mars infrastructure, transportation and habitation, operations, and collaboration and sustainability. They establish goals before prescribing a particular vehicle, technology or acquisition method.
What are the four segments of NASA’s architecture?
NASA currently groups the architecture into four segments. These are stages in a planning framework, not four approved missions or a complete schedule.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
- Human Lunar Return: Artemis missions and demonstrations of core systems for returning people to the lunar surface.
- Foundational Exploration: Expanded crewed lunar-orbit and surface operations, including longer stays and broader exploration of the lunar South Pole, while validating capabilities relevant to Mars.
- Sustained Lunar Evolution: An open-ended phase focused on greater lunar science capacity, longer missions, economic opportunity, and producing goods and services from lunar resources.
- Humans to Mars: Capabilities for traveling to Mars, landing, returning safely and eventually carrying out more complex missions.
NASA also identifies 12 supporting sub-architectures: autonomous systems and robotics; communications and positioning, navigation and timing; data systems and management; habitation; human systems; in-situ resource utilization; infrastructure support; logistics; mobility; power; transportation; and utilization systems. These are capability areas, not 12 separate missions. NASA maps elements such as SLS and Orion to the architecture and expects further elements to be defined as it develops. See NASA’s architecture components.
Which missions and systems are included?
The elements associated with Moon to Mars have different jobs and levels of maturity. Artemis is a crewed campaign; CLPS is a robotic delivery service; Gateway is planned lunar-orbit infrastructure; and Mars Sample Return is a robotic science campaign. They are related to NASA’s exploration aims, but they are not interchangeable missions.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
| Program or element | Role | How it fits |
|---|---|---|
| Artemis | Crewed lunar exploration | NASA’s clearest mission campaign for exploring the Moon, developing science and technology, learning to live and work on another world, and preparing for human missions to Mars. Associated systems include SLS, Orion, commercial human landing systems, spacesuits, surface mobility systems and Gateway. NASA’s Artemis overview. |
| Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) | Robotic payload delivery to the Moon | NASA buys commercial delivery services for science and technology payloads. The deliveries help test and refine technologies and integrate systems relevant to later crewed missions; they are not crewed Artemis landings. NASA’s Artemis overview. |
| Gateway | Planned lunar-orbit station | A supporting element for Artemis, lunar-surface missions, orbital science and preparation for Mars. NASA’s mission page lists launch no earlier than 2027, a schedule statement rather than a guarantee. NASA’s Gateway mission page. |
| Mars Sample Return (MSR) | Robotic Mars sample science | A NASA-ESA campaign intended to bring selected Martian samples to Earth for detailed laboratory analysis. Perseverance has collected and cached samples since landing in 2021. MSR can inform future human exploration, but it is not a crewed Moon-to-Mars mission. NASA Science’s Mars Sample Return page. |
What is currently listed for Artemis III?
NASA’s Artemis III mission page currently describes the flight as a low-Earth-orbit demonstration of systems needed for future lunar landings, with a listed launch year of 2027 and a crew of four. That is the description and schedule on the page, not a guarantee of launch. Earlier descriptions characterized Artemis III as a lunar landing, so check the current mission page when using the detail in a dated article. NASA’s Artemis III page.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How do NASA’s 2026 plans affect the picture?
NASA’s FY 2026 exploration fact sheet describes planned program changes, including a transfer of CLPS responsibility, creation of a Commercial Mars Payload Services initiative for precursor and technology-demonstration missions, and an orderly Gateway program closeout during 2026. It also describes SLS and Orion government programs as intended for Artemis II and III before planned retirement, with commercial transportation procurement for later missions. These are plans in a budget document; they should not be presented as completed actions. NASA’s FY 2026 exploration fact sheet.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsRank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
NASA’s components page notes that it is updating architecture content to align with February Artemis changes and March national policy initiatives. Taken together, the page updates and budget plans are another reason not to treat the architecture as a settled sequence of future flights. For a schedule, use the latest relevant mission page and identify its date and status.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
