Why is the US returning to the moon after more than five decades? | DW News

Artemis 2 Mission: A Detailed Overview

Key Concepts: Artemis Program, Artemis 2, Artemis 3, Space Launch System (SLS), Orion Capsule, Lunar South Pole, Gateway, Trans Lunar Injection, Cryogenics, Hydrogen Leaks, Space Race, Lunar Mining, Heat Shield.

Introduction & Mission Overview

NASA’s Artemis 2 mission is currently undergoing preparations for launch, anticipated in early February. This mission marks the first crewed space flight to the vicinity of the Moon since Apollo 17 in 1972. While Artemis 2 will not involve a lunar landing, it is a crucial precursor to Artemis 3, planned for 2028, which will land astronauts on the Moon. Further Artemis missions (4 & 5) are focused on constructing Gateway, a small space station intended for lunar orbit. The overall Artemis program aims to establish a sustained human presence on the Moon, driven by strategic, research, and resource-based motivations.

Rocket Movement & Pre-Launch Procedures

The Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, fully stacked and taller than the Statue of Liberty, is being moved to Launch Complex 39B at a speed of less than 1 mile per hour. This complex was previously used for the Apollo 10 mission. Launch Complex 39A is currently leased by SpaceX. The period between movement and launch will be dedicated to extensive testing, including:

• Data Testing: Verification of data transmission systems.
• Cryogenics Testing: Testing of systems handling liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen.
• Environmental Control Line Checks: Ensuring proper functioning of life support systems.
• Weather Sensor Calibration: Validating weather monitoring equipment.
• Dry Testing: Simulations without fuel.
• Wet Testing (Wet Dress Rehearsal): Loading the rocket with liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen to simulate launch conditions and verify system connectivity between mission control, launch control, and the rocket itself.

A significant challenge addressed during these tests is the issue of hydrogen leaks. Hydrogen’s extremely small molecular size inherently leads to leakage, which can impact the spacecraft and crew. The earliest launch window is currently set for February 6th.

Rationale for Returning to the Moon

The return to the Moon is not simply a repetition of the Apollo program. Landing on the lunar south pole, the target for Artemis 3, presents significantly greater challenges than the equatorial landings of the Apollo missions. The primary drivers for this renewed lunar focus are:

• Sustained Human Presence: Establishing a long-term base for research and exploration.
• Strategic Purposes: Securing a foothold in space for geopolitical advantage.
• Mining Purposes: Utilizing lunar resources, potentially including Helium-3 and rare earth elements.
• Scientific Research: Conducting in-depth studies of the Moon’s geology and history.
• Springboard to Further Exploration: Using the Moon as a testing ground and launchpad for missions to Mars and beyond.

A key factor influencing this push is a renewed “space race,” particularly with China. China’s space program has made significant advancements, including a functioning space station and development of the Long March 10 rocket (comparable to SpaceX’s Starship). China aims to land astronauts on the Moon by 2030 and establish a permanent lunar station in collaboration with Russia by 2035. The US effort is, in part, motivated by a desire to avoid falling behind in space exploration, mirroring the concerns during the initial space race with the Soviet Union.

Collaborative Effort & Key Partners

The Artemis program is a collaborative effort involving multiple organizations:

• Lockheed Martin: The primary builder of the Orion capsule, responsible for astronaut return. Addressing heat shield issues encountered during Artemis 1 is a priority, as the capsule will experience temperatures up to 5,000°F during re-entry.
• European Space Agency (ESA): Developed the service module for the Orion capsule, providing propulsion and life support for the journey to and from the Moon. This will propel the capsule into trans lunar injection – the trajectory that sends it towards the Moon.
• SpaceX: Leases Launch Complex 39A and contributes to various aspects of the program.

The Artemis missions will venture farther into space than any previous human missions, orbiting the Moon in a highly elliptical orbit and landing in a previously unexplored region.

Notable Quote:

“The Apollo missions landed in sort of the equatorial regions of the moon are considered considerably more flat…but in in the scope of these these things, landing on the lunar south pole where Artemis 3 expects to land is infinitely harder.” – David Ariosto, Space Journalist and Author.

Technical Terms Explained:

• Trans Lunar Injection (TLI): The propulsive maneuver that sends a spacecraft from Earth orbit onto a trajectory towards the Moon.
• Cryogenics: The study and use of very low temperatures, specifically relating to the storage and handling of liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen as rocket propellants.
• Gateway: A planned small space station in lunar orbit, intended to serve as a staging point for lunar landings and future deep-space missions.

Conclusion

The Artemis 2 mission represents a significant step towards re-establishing a sustained human presence on the Moon. Driven by strategic competition, scientific curiosity, and the potential for resource utilization, the program is a complex, collaborative undertaking involving NASA, Lockheed Martin, ESA, SpaceX, and other partners. The success of Artemis 2 and subsequent missions will be crucial not only for lunar exploration but also for paving the way for future human endeavors deeper into our solar system.