NASA’s Artemis Missions Set to Pave the Way for Mars Exploration
NASA is gearing up for its next major lunar missions, aiming to send astronauts to the moon within the next few years while laying the groundwork for future exploration of Mars. During a virtual workshop on September 10, 2023, Jacob Bleacher, NASA’s chief exploration scientist, emphasized the agency’s focus on developing the necessary technology for living and operating on other planets.
Bleacher, a trained planetary geologist, outlined NASA’s ambitious plans to extend human presence beyond Earth. Unlike the short-duration Apollo missions of the 1960s and 1970s, which typically lasted two to three days, the Artemis program aims for extended stays on the lunar surface. “We want to begin to learn how to live away from the Earth,” Bleacher stated, highlighting a distinct shift in mission objectives.
Key Objectives of the Artemis Program
The recent workshop sought input from scientists and other participants to assess potential landing sites for Artemis missions. According to NASA, the aim is to evaluate “science figures of merit” to prioritize locations with the greatest scientific potential. Factors under consideration include understanding planetary evolution, studying lunar regolith, and exploring objectives in solar and physical sciences.
Significantly, NASA has garnered valuable insights into the South Pole-Aitken basin, where Artemis astronauts are expected to land. This area has been identified as a high-priority target in both the 2013 and 2023 planetary decadal surveys, which outline the scientific objectives for upcoming space missions.
Artemis 4, currently slated for launch no earlier than 2028, will follow Artemis 2, which aims to send a crew around the moon by April 2026. The Artemis 4 mission plans for a six-day stay on the moon’s surface, where astronauts will collect lunar soil samples and conduct up to four extravehicular activities (moonwalks) as far as 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) from the lander.
Building Partnerships for Future Missions
NASA recognizes that establishing a sustainable lunar presence will require collaboration with commercial partners and international agencies. Bleacher noted the importance of fostering relationships that can support long-term lunar infrastructure. He stated, “What we’re trying to understand is, what do we — NASA, the United States government — need to put in place to encourage that partnership?”
As Artemis 4 will be the fourth mission in the broader Artemis program, it involves collaboration among numerous nations under the Artemis Accords. These missions aim not only to return astronauts to the moon but also to create an American-led framework for deep space exploration.
The Artemis program has already made significant progress. The uncrewed Artemis 1 mission successfully orbited the moon in 2022, and the upcoming Artemis 2 mission will feature astronauts, including NASA’s Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, along with Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen. Following Artemis 2, Artemis 3 is targeted for a lunar landing in 2027, pending the readiness of SpaceX’s Starship Human Landing System.
As NASA continues to advance its lunar exploration initiatives, the focus remains on not only reaching the moon but also preparing for the eventual journey to Mars. The Artemis missions are set to be a crucial stepping stone toward understanding how to sustain human life beyond Earth, ultimately paving the way for future exploration of the Red Planet.
