NASA is advancing its plans for the Artemis III mission even as the Artemis II mission prepares for its return to Earth on Friday evening, splashing down in the Pacific Ocean off San Diego. This new mission, which will take place in Earth orbit, is designed to reduce risks for the subsequent Artemis IV lunar landing mission. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman indicated that discussions are ongoing about the mission's orbit, weighing the advantages and disadvantages of low-Earth orbit (LEO) versus high-Earth orbit (HEO). LEO is approximately 160 km to 2,000 km above the Earth, while HEO is greater than 36,000 km. The Artemis III mission will involve the launch of the Orion spacecraft, likely carrying four astronauts, aboard a Space Launch System (SLS) rocket from Florida. The mission will include rendezvousing with NASA's Human Landing Systems, which consist of SpaceX's Starship upper stage and a modified Blue Moon lander from Blue Origin. Operating in LEO could allow NASA to conserve the Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (ICPS) for future missions, while a mission in HEO would necessitate the use of the ICPS.