This December marks the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 17 mission to the Moon. 1972 was the last time that humans walked on another celestial body. While some have waited their entire lives to witness mankind’s return to space, we may just see it happen in a few short years. With NASA’s newest and largest rocket, the Space Launch System (SLS) leading the Artemis program, we will be on our way back to the Moon.
Artemis 1 is the first of a series of rockets on a complex mission that will enable human exploration to the Moon and Mars. The Artemis 1 rocket sets the groundwork for the next two missions in the Artemis Program: Artemis 2 will send humans around the moon in 2024, and Artemis 3 will make history once again by landing on the moon in 2025, at the earliest. The Artemis 1 journey will take a total of 37 days to fully complete its mission. The purpose of Artemis 1 is to collect data and measure the safety of travel for future astronauts. Artemis 1 will not be carrying real astronauts due to safety concerns, but it will be carrying three high-tech manikins; Helga, Zohar, and Moonkin Campos. These manikins are humans models that are used for scientific research and are filled with sensors to determine how the body responds to space travel. They are just one of several science experiments aboard the mission meant to better our understanding of space travel.
The Artemis 1 launch was originally scheduled for August 29, 2022, but was canceled due to engine issues. The next launch, set for Saturday, September 3, 2022, was also postponed due to a liquid hydrogen leak that they were not able to repair in time. The next launch will likely not take place until late September. With two scrubbed launches due to mechanical issues, concerns for the program have arisen. People are concerned that because of the Artemis 1 failures, future missions will have similar results. While NASA assures the public that the program will take off, we have yet to see it happen.
The Artemis program is a major step in the future of space exploration since we first arrived on the Moon in 1972. With the successful launch of Artemis 1, we could be looking at sending two more rockets to collect data and transport astronauts. Ultimately, mankind will return to the Moon, to hopefully begin the first permanent lunar presence, and to take us beyond.
What do you think?
Is Artemis 1 a good step for NASA’s space program?
Is Artemis 1 safe enough to transport astronauts?
https://www.cnn.com/2022/09/03/world/nasa-artemis-1-saturday-launch-scn/index.html
Replies
Good topic choice and great job overall Carly! I would like more of your opinions within your summary as well next time. You did a great job of educating people though!!
I feel that the Artemis 1 is a great step for NASA's space program because it will help them know about safety issues and how to prevent them without hurting anyone in the process. We will also just learn more about the moon in general. The Artemis 1 may not be safe for some people, but it will help for future safety in new space missions going to the moon. It also probably won't be safe for people because all of the technical difficulties and delays.
I think it is really good, especially since we haven't been back to the moon in about 50 years. I always wondered why we never went back. I think Artemis 1 will be the new "Apollo" from what I'm hearing and I am glad they are doing it. I don't think we should be concerned about whether NASA will enforce safety on space missions, cause that is most likely the number 1 concern on their list.
I like how you made the connection with the Artemis missions and the Apollo missions. I think that NASA's goal with sending Artemis 1 is to continue the work that Apollo started many years ago.
I really do think that this mission will be a good success. With Arthemis landing on the Moon we can learn and explore a lot more than we have in the past. I feel that this is a step in the right direction since it will help us figure out our future on other planets. I feel Arthimas would be safe for humans since they have been trying to correct the erros and make sure its safe. However, I also feel that other people would be really skeptical since there has already been 2 postponements. They may think it wont be safe since we already have had some issues.
Personally, I think that this mission will be a success. We will be able to learn more about space travel, the moon, how well we can survive hostile environments, and more. With already 2 postponements I am sure that some people are skeptical about the idea of sending the rocket up, however, I think that over time these series of missions will be very beneficial for the future ahead.
I completely agree when you say that we will learn a lot more about space travel and space in general. I believe that this a huge step towards the future of NASA and our presence on other planets. I find it interesting that you mentioned that these missions will help us over time. NASA believes we will have astronauts back in space by 2025, do you think that these missions and the data collected will have us back sooner than that?
I think this project is good for NASA to be able to explore more of the moon. I feel like if it isnt delayed anymore it will be really cool to see what they will do. Although it is cool there has been so many delays, do you think that they should take more time and not rush this project.
I think this project is good progress for NASA's program and to get back on the moon. As we haven't been In over 50 years, this is also a really cool project to start, but how many delays do they need to rethink it? I don't know if I would send astronauts up there just yet. I wouldn't risk my life over a mission.
I understand why you feel this way, and I'm sure a lot of others do as well. With NASA being one of the biggest space agencies in the world, a lot of people expect them to create a safe and working rocket to send into space. However, like you said, a lot of people are beginning to have doubts after two delayed launches.
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