NASA is gearing up for a new era of lunar exploration with its Artemis program, which aims to land astronauts on the moon in the coming years. During a recent workshop on September 10, Jacob Bleacher, the chief exploration scientist at NASA, outlined the agency’s vision for not just lunar missions but also for preparing to send humans to Mars. This initiative reflects a significant shift in focus from the brief Apollo missions of the 1960s and 1970s to longer, more sustainable stays on the moon.
Bleacher emphasized that the Artemis program is on a “different trajectory.” He stated, “We want to begin to learn how to live away from the Earth.” The workshop aimed to gather insights from scientists and community participants to evaluate potential landing sites on the moon, particularly those with high scientific merit. Factors under consideration include the evolution of planetary bodies, the composition of lunar regolith, and objectives in various scientific fields.
Significantly, the Artemis 4 mission is scheduled for launch no earlier than 2028, with its astronauts expected to spend six days on the moon’s surface. They will conduct experiments, return lunar soil samples to Earth, and perform up to four extravehicular activities, venturing as far as 1.2 miles (2 km) from their lander. NASA plans to focus on the moon’s south pole region, which is believed to contain ice and other essential resources for future lunar excursions.
The workshop also highlighted the importance of collaboration with commercial industries and international partners. Bleacher pointed out that the complexity and cost of lunar missions necessitate a cooperative approach. “What we’re trying to understand is, what do we need to put in place that welcomes and encourages that partnership?” he asked. The goal is to foster a long-term presence on the moon and potentially create a lunar economy.
The Artemis program is not just about returning humans to the moon; it also involves collaboration with various nations under the Artemis Accords. An uncrewed mission, Artemis 1, successfully orbited the moon in 2022, laying the groundwork for future manned missions. The upcoming Artemis 2 mission, scheduled to launch as early as April 2026, will carry four astronauts, including NASA’s Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, alongside Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen.
Following Artemis 2, the next significant mission, Artemis 3, is currently targeting a lunar landing in 2027, contingent upon the readiness of SpaceX’s Starship Human Landing System. Artemis 4 will follow, continuing the momentum of human exploration beyond Earth.
As the program progresses, NASA aims to leverage existing scientific knowledge and technological advancements to not only explore the moon but also pave the way for future missions to Mars. With continued investment in technology and partnership opportunities, the Artemis program stands as a testament to humanity’s enduring quest for exploration and discovery beyond our planet.
