Why NASA’s Artemis II Astronauts Won’t Land on the Moon
The New York Times • • general
Key Points:
- NASA plans to return humans to the moon by 2026 but will not attempt a landing during the Artemis II mission, focusing instead on testing and preparation.
- Since the last moon landing in 1972, NASA has concentrated on low-Earth orbit missions, with renewed interest in lunar exploration driven by scientific goals and potential resource mining.
- Technological advancements since the Apollo era necessitate careful testing of new systems before attempting a lunar landing to ensure astronaut safety.
- NASA currently lacks a ready moon lander, with SpaceX and Blue Origin contracted to develop lunar spacecraft aiming for landings around 2028.
- The Artemis II mission involves established NASA contractors like Boeing, Northrop Grumman, United Launch Alliance, and Lockheed Martin, who are responsible for key components of the Space Launch System rocket and Orion capsule.
