Should it continue the Artemis program and establish a lunar base, or shift its focus directly to Mars? While using the Moon as a stepping stone could be a more efficient approach, a direct Mars mission would be faster but far riskier.

NASA is losing four key senior officials close to its flagship moon program, according to people familiar with the changes, adding more uncertainty over the agency's space exploration trajectory as Elon Musk and President Donald Trump play up missions to Mars.

Though Artemis was conceived in President Donald Trump's first term, he has openly mused about bypassing the Moon and heading straight to Mars -- a notion gaining traction as Elon Musk, the world's richest person and SpaceX's owner, becomes a key ally and advisor.

NASA faces uncertainty in its moon program as four senior officials retire, including Jim Free, associate administrator. The shift increases unpredictability amid Elon Musk's Mars mission ambitions and potential policy changes under President Trump's influence.

NASA faces uncertainty as key leaders, including Jim Free, retire. The leadership vacuum raises doubts about the Artemis moon mission, especially amid pressures from SpaceX's Elon Musk to prioritize Mars exploration.

The US space agency is losing four senior officials, insiders say, including a key defender of the Artemis missions Nasa is losing four key senior officials close to its flagship moon programme, according to people familiar with the changes,