Returning to the Moon: What You Need to Know About Artemis
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The New Era of Lunar Exploration
After a 50-year hiatus, humans are set to return to the moon! The Artemis program aims to land the first woman and a person of color on the lunar surface, utilizing NASA's most powerful rocket and collaborating with various private entities and international partners. Named after the Greek goddess of the moon, Artemis not only strives to create a sustainable human presence on the moon but also acts as a vital stepping stone toward our ultimate goal of sending humans to Mars. Let’s explore each phase of this ambitious mission.
Artemis I
From November 16 to December 11, 2022, the Artemis I mission successfully orbited the moon and returned to Earth. This mission was a pivotal test for both the powerful launch system and the advanced Orion spacecraft, which are essential for the Artemis program.
The Artemis Rocket, known as the Space Launch System (SLS), was crucial in launching the Orion spacecraft beyond Earth's atmosphere. Towering at an impressive 98 meters (322 feet), the Artemis Rocket is the most formidable rocket ever constructed, generating an astounding 8.8 million pounds of thrust, fueled by a combination of liquid hydrogen and oxygen.
Artemis I's journey to the moon spanned just under 26 days, significantly longer than any Apollo mission. This extended duration is due to the larger living quarters of the Orion spacecraft, allowing astronauts to remain aboard for up to 21 days. Unlike Apollo missions, which required more fuel, a different trajectory to the moon was necessary. To gain deeper insights into this journey, watch the following video.
Understanding Lunar Missions
The first video titled "Why is it so hard to return to the moon?" delves into the challenges and complexities of lunar exploration.
Artemis II
Next up in NASA’s Artemis program is the Artemis II mission, scheduled for launch in late 2024. This mission will follow a trajectory similar to Artemis I but will include a crew onboard. The primary goal is to test the Orion spacecraft with astronauts aboard as they journey around the moon and return to Earth.
While Artemis II won't land on the moon, it will be a critical assessment of the Orion spacecraft's capabilities with a crew. The selected astronauts include Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Hammock Koch, and Jeremy Hansen. During this mission, they will study the moon, evaluate the spacecraft, and demonstrate our ability to return to the lunar surface.
Artemis III
Planned for a December 2025 launch, Artemis III aims to return humans to the moon, with four astronauts expected to stay for up to 6.5 days. Two astronauts will descend to the moon’s south pole while the other two remain in the Orion spacecraft. The Human Landing System (HLS) will facilitate the astronauts' transition from lunar orbit to the surface.
NASA is collaborating with private firms to develop the HLS and has chosen SpaceX to construct this system, which is based on a modified Starship. The crew will reside in this system while conducting scientific experiments, collecting valuable data, and returning samples of lunar ice. Additionally, a rover is planned to accompany the astronauts.
Artemis IV and Future Missions
Following Artemis III, Artemis IV will mirror the previous mission and utilize the same HLS. This mission will build upon the experiences and knowledge gained from earlier missions, further enhancing our understanding of lunar operations and scientific exploration.
Subsequent missions will extend up to a month, with NASA aiming for annual launches. Recently, NASA announced a $3.4 billion investment in Blue Origin to establish a long-term human base on the moon. This funding aims to create a sustainable presence that will allow humanity to venture further into the solar system, including trips to Mars.
Exploring the Unknown
The second video titled "I Was SCARED To Say This To NASA... (But I said it anyway)" features an insightful discussion about the challenges and fears involved in space exploration.