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We’re about to send humans in orbit around the Moon again. What’s had to happen to get to this point?
NASA is preparing to send humans back to the Moon for the first time since the 1970s. This major mission, known as Artemis II, is hoped to launch as early as April 2026. The journey relies on the powerful Space Launch System (SLS), which propels the Orion spacecraft into space. Once in orbit, four astronauts will begin a ten-day trip. They will travel to the Moon, circle it, and return safely to Earth. This mission represents a critical step in humanity's plan to return to the lunar surface.
To understand why this mission matters, consider the insights of Scott Pace. Dr. Pace is the director of the Space Policy Institute at George Washington University. He possesses deep experience in space policy and government, having served in the George W. Bush administration and later acting as the executive secretary of the National Space Council from 2017 to 2021. His perspective highlights the long, winding path to this moment of readiness. Dr. Pace explains that the road to Artemis II was not straight; it was a series of difficult decisions and lessons learned from past failures.
The journey began decades ago. After the tragic Challenger accident in the 1980s, experts asked hard questions. The Space Shuttle program was not a financial success due to its high cost per flight. Consequently, experts explored new vehicles to replace the old shuttle. NASA tested risky options, such as single-stage-to-orbit space planes, while planning to extend the life of the shuttle if new concepts failed. When those risky ideas did not materialize, the shuttle provided a necessary safety net.
However, a second shuttle accident changed everything. Engineers realized that specific components, such as solid rocket boosters and external fuel tanks, posed unique risks. To ensure crew safety, they decided to build new crew capsules equipped with onboard escape systems. This was a key strategy to increase survival chances during an emergency. The ultimate goal of NASA has always been to reach Mars, a destination requiring a massive vehicle for heavy cargo. Decades of work have led to the Space Launch System and the Orion capsule, both of which are now ready for the Artemis II launch.
Four astronauts will fly this ten-day mission, orbiting the Moon. Dr. Pace highlights specific moments that define success. The first critical checkpoint is the performance of the solid rocket boosters during launch. While generally reliable, a failure here could be catastrophic. The next major checkpoint occurs in Earth orbit, where the crew must decide to proceed with a translunar injection. This is the precise moment when engines fire to escape Earth's gravity and head for the Moon.
Before making this commitment, the crew checks the life support system. This system is essential for keeping passengers safe and healthy. Artemis II will serve as the first full flight test of this system in this specific configuration. The translunar injection itself is relatively straightforward. This mission profile is considered less risky than Apollo 8. Apollo 8 required engines to fire both to enter lunar orbit and to return. In contrast, Artemis II follows a path similar to Apollo 13: the spacecraft travels outward, loops around the Moon, and uses its gravity to return to Earth. This method requires fewer engine firings.
Upon return, engineers will examine the heat shield. The history of this technology is long and complex. While current data suggests safety, real-world reentry presents unique challenges. Scientists will closely monitor how the shield handles immense heat as the capsule dives back to Earth. The Space Launch System also faces challenges. One issue is the high cost; a single vehicle costs billions. Another challenge is the flight rate, as these vehicles are not designed for frequent launches.
Some observers argue that beating China to the Moon is a matter of national security. Dr. Pace notes that competition only matters if China sets the rules for lunar activity. He suggests that the immediate goal of simply "beating" China is less compelling than the long-term effects of such competition. Dr. Pace argues that the term "race" is misleading; the current situation is better described as a long-term competition rather than a sprint. While space is not as tense as other global disputes, concerns remain due to China's behavior in other sectors.
A primary goal of the Artemis program is to establish a lasting presence on the Moon. Dr. Pace states that the future depends on two questions: Can we live off the land using local resources? And how will we pay for it? If humanity can utilize local resources and find useful activities, settlements can be built. If not, space remains like Mount Everest: a place for adventure, but not for living.
There is a middle ground. If we generate economic returns but rely on Earth for air, space is like an oil platform: dangerous but useful. Alternatively, if we depend entirely on taxpayers without a return, space is like Antarctica: we can conduct science, but the environment remains constrained. Exploration determines which future is possible. If economic activities are found, the private sector may take the lead. While the United States aims to lead, it recognizes that a global partnership is necessary. The Artemis program is designed as an international effort to shape the future of space together.