Illustration representing NASA's moon-to-Mars ambitions. Credit: NASA
The NASA Artemis 1 test mission and Artemis 2 lunar flyby mission with the first crew to the moon since the Apollo Program (almost 55 years ago) were incredible successes by all measures. They were important precursor steps for a United States landing on the moon. The Orion crew vehicle, Space Launch System (SLS) heavy lift rocket, ground systems, NASA/industry development teams and operators proved themselves. The Artemis 2 crew performed admirably and are inspiring in recounting their incredible observations and experiences.
By way of background, these achievements are the current culmination of many years of NASA led studies and advocacy to return to human space exploration — exploring the moon and then Mars. Trade studies and advocacy focused on developing/building the first critical capabilities to achieve it — a super heavy-lift launch vehicle and a safe crew capsule capable of surviving the extremely high entry velocities and heating from deep space destinations. Orion and SLS are those demonstrated capabilities. Many dedicated, skilled people at NASA, the aerospace industry, academia and international space entities have contributed their development. All who have contributed over the years and are contributing now should be extremely proud of these stellar achievements.
