First Human Mission to Asteroid

First Human Mission to an Asteroid: A Giant Leap in Crewed Deep Space Exploration

The first human mission to an asteroid has not yet occurred, but current projections by space scientists suggest it could happen as early as the mid- to late-2020s or more likely by the 2030s–2070s, depending on technological progress and budget. Searching “when is the first crewed asteroid mission” or “how many years until humans visit an asteroid” will bring up plans tied to NASA’s Flexible Path and Artemis programs. This milestone event promises to advance our capabilities for deep space travel and planetary defense.