“We came all this way to explore the moon, and the most important thing is that we discovered the Earth” - William Anders (Astronaut, Apollo 8, 1968)
Ever since the 1950s, humans have been sending objects and even humans into space to get to know more about it. Since then, we have made incredible progress but one question still remains unanswered. Is there any other planet habitable for humans?
The wait is over, after over 50 years the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has finally decided to go back to the moon, but this time, for good. The Artemis 1, launched on the 16th of November 2022, is the first in the series of the mission to build a long-term human presence on the lunar surface.
Over the coming 8 years, NASA plans to build dome-like bases on the Moon’s south pole. The Orion spacecraft, attached to the most powerful SLS (Space Launch System) rocket, will act like a spaceship to the moon in the future. The ‘Gateway’ will be humanity’s first space station orbiting the Moon and will act like the ISS (International Space Station) allowing rockets to dock at the station to drop the astronauts off. To get humans onto the lunar surface, the Human Landing System comes into picture. NASA with the help of SpaceX and other companies is building a ‘space taxi’ which will take the crew from the Gateway to the Moon.
The Apollo missions in the 60s and 70s chose to land around the equator but the lunar base will be built on the south pole because the lunar poles have iced water essential for us to survive. Also, the south pole receives near constant light from the sun which will be used to power the lunar bases with the help of solar panels.
This mission does face some issues. We are still unaware of how the human body will react to the prolonged space flight. Being exposed to radiation and anti-gravity might as well have an adverse effect on our bodies. In today’s world we are witnessing the climate change, the endless wars, the harsh politics which might end humanity on Earth. This mission brings humanity together for its own good.
If the Artemis 1 is a successful mission then, Artemis 2 will be ready to to be launched in 2024 but with crew on board. Over 50 years ago, three men stepped on the moon for the first time ever and this day embarks on a new generation of humanity living on the lunar surface. By the end of this decade, humans just like you and me will no longer be on the Earth at all times.