NASA Targets Early March to Send Humans Back Around the Moon
NASA is setting its sights on early March for a groundbreaking mission to send humans around the Moon for the first time in over 50 years. This ambitious venture, part of the Artemis II program, will not only mark a historic event in space exploration but also pave the way for future lunar landings.
Mission Overview: Artemis II
– Launch Date: The earliest launch is scheduled for March 6 (or early March 7 in the UK).
– Duration: The mission will last approximately 10 days.
– Crew: The Artemis II team includes four astronauts:
– Reid Wiseman (USA)
– Victor Glover (USA)
– Christina Koch (USA)
– Jeremy Hansen (Canada)
The astronauts will begin their journey aboard NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket. The SLS, standing at 98 meters (322 feet) tall, has only flown once before without a crew during the successful Artemis I mission in November 2022.
Pre-launch Preparations
Recent testing has generated excitement among the Artemis II team. NASA successfully completed a “wet dress rehearsal, a vital pre-launch test where the rocket is filled with fuel and subjected to a countdown sequence. Following previous issues, including a hydrogen fuel leak, the team has rectified various technical challenges.
– Lori Glaze from NASA expressed enthusiasm, saying:
> Every night I look up at the Moon and I see it calling us… The excitement for Artemis II is really starting to build.
After the successful rehearsal, the crew will go into quarantine to prepare for their historic journey.
Journey Details
– Orbit Around Earth: The first day will be spent in orbit around Earth.
– Travel to the Moon: If everything functions properly, the astronauts will embark on a four-day voyage to reach the far side of the Moon—an area never visible from Earth.
– Distance: They will fly at altitudes of 6,500-9,500 km (4,000 to 6,000 miles) above the Moon’s surface, dedicating hours to studying and capturing images of the lunar landscape.
– Return Trip: After completing the flyby, the crew will initiate their four-day return journey, culminating in a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean.
Future Prospects: Artemis III
If Artemis II proves successful, it will set the stage for Artemis III, a mission aimed at landing astronauts on the lunar surface. The last time humans set foot on the Moon was during the Apollo 17 mission in 1972. NASA anticipates that this landing could occur by 2028, although this timeline is ambitious.
– Lunar Lander: SpaceX has secured a contract to develop the lander for Artemis III, despite facing delays related to the Starship rocket. NASA is now seeking expedited solutions from both SpaceX and competitor Blue Origin, owned by Jeff Bezos, to enhance their lunar plans.
Global Competition
As NASA prepares for its Moon mission, global tensions are rising. China’s aspirations for a lunar landing by 2030 have gained momentum, intensifying the competition for advantageous lunar real estate, particularly at the Moon’s south pole. Both nations are racing to establish their presence while striving for the ideal locations to build lunar bases.
NASA’s Artemis II mission marks not only a significant milestone in space exploration but also a crucial chapter in humanity’s ongoing quest to return to the Moon. As we look forward to the launch, the world watches closely, eager to witness this historic achievement.