NASA has announced plans to send humans back to the Moon by 2025, under the Artemis program. This will be the first time humans have set foot on the lunar surface in more than 50 years.
The Artemis program is a multi-phase mission that aims to establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon and eventually Mars. The first mission, Artemis I, was an uncrewed test flight that launched in August 2022 and successfully returned to Earth in December.
The next mission, Artemis II, is scheduled for launch in 2024 and will carry the first astronauts around the Moon. Artemis III, which is scheduled for launch in 2025, will be the first crewed mission to land on the Moon since Apollo 17 in 1972.
NASA is working with a variety of partners on the Artemis program, including commercial companies and international space agencies. The goal is to create a sustainable lunar economy and pave the way for future human exploration of the Moon and Mars.
Why are we going back to the Moon?
There are many reasons why NASA is sending humans back to the Moon. One reason is to make new scientific discoveries. The Moon is a treasure trove of information about our solar system and the early Earth. For example, scientists believe that the Moon contains water ice, which could be used to support future human exploration.
Another reason to go back to the Moon is to develop new technologies. The Moon is a great place to test new technologies that could be used for future deep space missions. For example, NASA is developing a new lunar lander that could be used to transport astronauts and cargo to the Moon and Mars.
Finally, going back to the Moon is a way to inspire the next generation of explorers. The Artemis program is designed to engage the public and generate excitement about space exploration. NASA hopes that the Artemis program will inspire a new generation of scientists, engineers, and astronauts to continue the legacy of Apollo.
What’s next for the Artemis program?
NASA is currently working on developing the spacecraft and hardware that will be used for the Artemis II and III missions. The agency is also working on securing funding for the program, which is estimated to cost $93 billion over the next five years.
If the Artemis program is successful, NASA hopes to establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon by the end of the 2020s. The agency also hopes to use the Moon as a stepping stone to Mars, with the goal of sending the first astronauts to the Red Planet in the early 2030s.
The Artemis program is an ambitious endeavor, but it has the potential to revolutionize human space exploration. By sending humans back to the Moon, NASA is paving the way for a future where humanity can explore the solar system and beyond.
