Artemis Unveils Lunar Ambitions: NASA’s Plan to Land International Astronaut on Moon by 2030

NASA has declared its ambitious goal to land an international astronaut on the Moon by the close of this decade. The announcement came during the National Space Council meeting chaired by US Vice President Kamala Harris on December 20 in Washington.

Artemis Program Overview:

1. Artemis 1: Launched on November 16, 2022, it marks the initiation of the Artemis Program.
2. Artemis 2: Scheduled for late 2024, primarily a test mission for the Orion spacecraft.
3. Artemis 3: First lunar landing mission under the program, slated for mid-2020s.

International Collaboration:

• The Artemis Program involves collaboration with Canada, Japan, and select European nations.
• Astronauts from these partner nations will contribute to the development of the Gateway, a lunar space station.

Lunar Ticket for Contributors:

• Astronauts from partner nations earn their Artemis tickets based on contributions to the Gateway project.
• Only two of the four astronauts on each Artemis mission will descend to the lunar surface.

Global Lunar Aspirations:

• As of now, all 12 individuals who walked on the Moon were from the United States, concluding with the Apollo 17 mission in 1972.
• The Artemis Accords, signed by 33 nations, including India, outline principles for international collaboration in space exploration.

Hope for an Indian Presence:

• Speculation arises about the potential selection of an Indian astronaut, especially after the agreement to send an Indian astronaut to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2024.

Vice President’s Vision:

• Kamala Harris emphasizes strengthening international partnerships, combining resources, scientific capacity, and technical skill for lunar exploration.

NASA’s Deputy Administrator Perspective:

• NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy highlights the importance of partnerships, envisioning strategic advancements in science, national posture, and inspiration for future generations.

As NASA propels humanity back to the Moon, the Artemis Program signifies a collective effort toward unlocking the mysteries of our celestial neighbor