The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has recently laid out its much-anticipated Artemis program, aiming to land the next man and the first-ever woman on the Moon by 2024. This marks a significant development since 1972 when NASA accomplished its historic feat of sending humans to the Moon during the Apollo lunar mission.
What is the Artemis Program?
The Artemis program represents NASA’s ambitious goal to pioneer new technologies, capabilities, and business approaches, all vital for future Mars exploration. Named after the Greek goddess of the hunt, wilderness, and moon, Artemis symbolizes Acceleration, Reconnection, Turbulence, and Electrodynamics of the Moon’s Interaction with the Sun.
The program comprises three phases in total. Artemis I, set for a 2021 launch, will carry an uncrewed flight to test both the Space Launch System (SLS) and the Orion spacecraft. Artemis II, targeted for 2023, will mark the first crewed flight test. Finally, Artemis III aims to put astronauts on the Moon’s South Pole in 2024.
Key to the Program: Systems Developed
NASA has developed multiple cutting-edge technologies for its renewed lunar quest. These include exploration ground systems (ground-based structures needed for launch), the SLS, and Orion spacecraft purposed for lunar missions. NASA’s new SLS rocket will propel astronauts in the Orion spacecraft.
Additionally, the program involves Gateway, a lunar outpost in Moon’s orbit, and modern human landing systems. Once astronauts dock Orion at the Gateway, they have the platform to live, work and conduct expeditions to the lunar surface.
One standout addition is new spacesuits, named Exploration Extravehicular Mobility Units (xEMU). These suits, intended for Artemis astronauts, include high-end mobility and communication features. Moreover, they offer interchangeable parts adaptable to spacewalks in microgravity or on planetary surfaces.
A Historical Recap: NASA and the Moon
The United States initiated its space exploration journey in 1961, chiefly aiming to send humans to space. This was realized in 1969 when Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin set foot on the Moon during the Apollo 11 mission. Now, with NASA’s renewed lunar plans, it hopes not only to further space exploration but also to assert American leadership in space, fortify strategic lunar presence, and boost the US’s global economic influence.
Global Push for Moon Exploration
The Moon has always fascinated nations. In 1959, the Soviet Union made history when Luna 1 and 2 visited the Moon. The USA carried out three classes of robotic explorations between 1961 and 1968, before the historic Apollo 11 mission. Twelve American astronauts walked on the Moon’s surface from 1969 to 1972.
In the 1990s, the USA recommenced lunar exploration with Clementine and Lunar Prospector. More recently, in 2009, the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) and the Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite (LCROSS) were launched. Following this, in 2012, the Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) spacecraft studied the Moon’s gravity.
However, the USA isn’t alone in this quest. The European Space Agency, Japan, China, and India have all sent missions to explore the Moon. Among these, China holds the distinct honor of landing rovers on the Moon’s surface, including a first-ever landing on the far side in 2019.
ISRO’s Endeavours in Moon Exploration
India’s lunar exploration program, the Chandrayaan project, launched in 2007. Starting with an agreement between ISRO (India’s space agency) and ROSCOSMOS (Russia’s), the Chandrayaan-1 mission yielded significant findings like confirming the presence of lunar water and evidence of lunar caves formed by ancient lava flows. The Chandrayaan-2 mission marked India’s second lunar venture, with a completely indigenous Orbiter, Lander (Vikram), and Rover (Pragyan). The recent announcement of the Chandrayaan-3 mission, expected to include a lander and a rover, showcase’s India’s drive for lunar exploration.