Recently the National Aeronautic Space Administration (NASA) announced the names of 18 astronauts who will train for Artemis, the Moon mission slated for 2024. This is a huge leap from the first moon mission, which inspired generations that it was possible, the goal of which was primarily to inspire.
With Space exploration becoming more of an international effort rather than individual feat, NASA plans to collaborate with other countries as well in future moon missions, reflective of the cooperative cross-national International Space Station (ISS). Today, Space exploration has become a “new normal.” With the ISS, for the past 20 years, leaps have been made in both the scientific understanding of the Universe for the collective advancement of human knowledge and quality of life.
The moving away from competitive to a more collaborative nature of space travel and exploration gives way to a team based approach for the future. The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) released data for the public from its’ second unmanned moon mission, Chandrayaan-2 this week. This mission was unique in that it explored the South Pole of the Moon. Meanwhile, plans are underway between ISRO and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) for a joint moon mission in 2024.
Apollo 11 created a milestone in history as it set off for the moon on July 16, 1969. Alan B. Shepard Jr. was the first person sent by NASA into space, in 1961, for a glorious 15 minutes. John Glenn was the first astronaut from NASA to complete an orbit (in fact, three orbits) of the Earth. In 1969, three NASA astronauts, namely Neil Armstrong, Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin and Michael Collins were on board Apollo 11 to the moon. Armstrong and Aldrin were able to land on the moon in the Lunar Module called “Eagle” and they successfully completed their mission to walk on the moon as well as carry home some of its’ surface. Thereafter they rejoined Collins in orbit and returned safely to Earth.
The Artemis team comprises of trained individuals from various fields including engineers, doctors of medicine, educators, biologists, geologists, pilots and army personnel who have been part of various NASA missions and have experience and expertise in their fields. Starting 2021, various research-related equipment and cargo will be transported to the Moon to prepare in advance for the manned mission of 2024.
Bibliography
Brown, Katherine. “NASA Defines Science Priorities for First Crewed Artemis Landing.” NASA, NASA, 7 Dec. 2020, www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-defines-science-priorities-for-first-crewed-artemis-landing-on-moon.
“Chandrayaan-2 Mission's Initial Data Released: ISRO.” Livemint.com, 25 Dec. 2020, www.livemint.com/science/news/chandrayaan-2-mission-s-initial-data-released-isro-11608855895964.html.
Dunbar, Brian. “The First Person on the Moon.” NASA, NASA, www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/k-4/stories/first-person-on-moon.html.
Loff, Sarah. “Humans in Space: History.” NASA, NASA, 2 July 2018, www.nasa.gov/topics/humans-in-space/history.
Potter, Sean. “NASA Names Artemis Team of Astronauts Eligible for Early Moon Missions.” NASA, NASA, 9 Dec. 2020, www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-names-artemis-team-of-astronauts-eligible-for-early-moon-missions/.
Vaishnav, Radhika. “The International Space Station Celebrates Its 20th Anniversary. History Is Still Being Made.” The Healthy News, The Healthy News, 23 Nov. 2020, www.thehealthynews.org/miscellaneous-new-blog/04zrayhop0b69uihyohoixd1w5vn35.
