This historic 10-day mission is the first crewed flight to the vicinity of the Moon in over 50 years after the Apollo Mission (1969-72).
About Artemis Mission
- ARTEMIS is NASA’s flagship human space exploration program, aimed at returning humans to the Moon.
- In 2020, Artemis Accords were launched which are a set of international agreements (signed by over 60 nations, including India in 2023) to ensure peaceful and transparent cooperation in space exploration.
- Series of Artemis Missions:
- Artemis I (2022): Uncrewed mission that successfully tested SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and Orion spacecraft around the Moon.
- Artemis II (2026): First crewed mission on a lunar flyby without landing.
- Future Phases:
- Artemis III (2027): demonstration mission in low Earth orbit to test commercial landers.
- Artemis IV (2028): to target the first Artemis lunar landing.
- Artemis V (2028): scientific research and beginning Moon base construction with second lunar lending.
Why is there renewed global interest in Moon exploration?
- Scientific & Technological Advancement: Understand the origin and evolution of Earth and the solar system.
- Economic Opportunities: Promote space economy and resource utilization (water ice and potential Helium-3 for fuel and energy).
- Gateway to Deep Space: Test long-duration missions for future Mars and other exploration.
- Strategic Importance: Enhance national prestige and space dominance.
Major initiatives for moon exploration by various countries
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