NASA’s Artemis II moon shot could happen this week : NPR
NPR • • general
Key Points:
- NASA is preparing to launch a four-person crew on a mission around the moon as early as April 1, marking the first crewed lunar mission since 1972, with the Orion capsule atop a 322-foot rocket at Kennedy Space Center.
- The mission will involve orbiting Earth, then flying a figure-eight trajectory around the moon without landing, with astronauts coming within 4,000 to 6,000 miles of the lunar surface during the approximately ten-day journey.
- This Artemis program mission is a critical step toward NASA's goal of establishing a permanent lunar presence, though key hardware like the lunar lander is still under development, with a potential moon landing targeted for 2028 or later.
- The Artemis program has spent around $93 billion since its inception, with some experts expressing skepticism about the ambitious timeline and funding, noting that the current lunar effort lacks the urgency of the 1960s space race.
- While China pursues its own lunar ambitions, NASA and some U.S. lawmakers hope the Artemis program will inspire public support and funding, as recent surveys indicate broad American enthusiasm for returning astronauts to the moon.
