NASA has recently made the decision to add an additional mission to its Artemis programme. The last time humans walked on the Moon was during Apollo 17 in 1972, making Artemis NASA’s first attempt to return. This mission has been implemented prior to its attempts to land astronauts on the Moon for the first time in fifty years…
The Artemis program is an ongoing mission, which aims to establish a sustainable human presence on the moon. In 2022 NASA successfully completed Artemis I, which consisted of an un-crewed flight, testing the Space Launch System rocket and Orion capsule.
The program is now focussing on a crewed lunar flybys.
The program is now focussing on a crewed lunar flybys. The original plan which is currently scheduled for April was to fly around the Moon – a part of the Artemis II mission. Following this, an attempt of a lunar landing is scheduled with Artemis III in 2028.
The change that has occurred, means that Artemis III will remain closer to home. So, to practise docking with a lunar lander, in 2027, a crew will head to Low-Earth.
NASA have reassured that this additional flight will not slow down its return to the moon
Despite this change, NASA have reassured that this additional flight will not slow down its return to the moon, and therefore its aim for one or even two lunar landings in 2028 is still on track with Artemis IV and V.
Backed by NASA administrator Jared Isaacman who has said the reason behind this extra step in the Artemis programme is because he did not want such long gaps between launches. He also added that the extra flight would help to test the technology before a Moon landing.
If successful, the revised Artemis plan could mark a crucial step in NASA’s long-term ambition to establish a sustainable human presence on the moon, and prepare for the first human missions to Mars. An exciting, as well as historic new chapter in space exploration is perhaps closer than ever.