NASA Targets March 6: Sending Humans Back Around the Moon with Artemis II

NASA Sets Sights on March 6 for Historic Lunar Crew Mission

NASA is setting its sights on an ambitious early March launch, withMarch 6 emerging as the target date to send humans back around the Moonfor the first time in over five decades. This monumental Artemis II mission will see a crew of four astronauts embark on a challenging 10-day journey, circumnavigating the far side of the Moon before their return to Earth. More than just a flyby, this voyage is designed to lay critical groundwork for humanity’s eventual return to the lunar surface.

The selection of March 6 (or early March 7 in the UK) follows a pivotal and successful “wet dress rehearsal.” This crucial pre-launch test involves fully fueling the rocket and running through the entire countdown sequence, simulating the real event. It marked the Artemis team’s second attempt at this critical practice run at Florida’s Kennedy Space Center, demonstrating their meticulous preparation.

Overcoming Challenges: A Successful Rehearsal Paves the Way

The path to this target date wasn't without its hurdles. An initial rehearsal in early February concluded prematurely due to a hydrogen fuel leak at the launch pad. However, NASA officials, including Lori Glaze, affirmed that issues with seals and filters have since been fully remedied.

“Every night I look up at the Moon and I see it and I get real excited because I can feel she’s calling us and we’re ready,” Glaze shared at a recent news conference. “The excitement for Artemis II is really, really starting to build, we can really start to feel it. It’s coming.” She further confirmed the success of the latest test, stating, “Yesterday we were able to fully tank the SLS rocket within the planned timeline… we also successfully demonstrated the launch countdown.”

Meet the Artemis II Crew and Their Vessel

The pioneering crew for Artemis II consists of three American astronauts – Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch – alongside Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen. Following the successful rehearsal, Glaze noted the crew's palpable excitement as they prepared to enter quarantine. They will soon begin their journey aboard NASA's formidable mega Moon rocket: the 98-meter-tall (322-foot) Space Launch System, or SLS.

This powerful rocket has only flown once before, during the uncrewed Artemis I mission in November 2022. For Artemis II, the crew will be securely strapped into the Orion capsule, which is situated at the very top of the SLS. Inside, the spacecraft offers a living, eating, working, and sleeping space roughly the size of a minibus for the duration of their 10-day mission.

The Epic Lunar Itinerary

The mission’s first day will see the astronauts orbiting Earth to ensure all systems are functioning optimally. If checks are clear, they will then propel themselves towards the Moon. This leg of the voyage is expected to take approximately four days. The crew will traverse around the mysterious far side of the Moon – a hemisphere perpetually hidden from Earth’s view.

During their lunar flyby, the astronauts will be at an altitude of 6,500-9,500 kilometers (4,000 to 6,000 miles) above the lunar surface. They will dedicate several hours to scientific study and capturing images of the Moon. Notably, this flyby will take the Artemis II crew further from Earth than any humans have traveled before. Following this incredible encounter, the astronauts will commence their four-day journey home, culminating in a precise splashdown in the Pacific Ocean.

Paving the Way for Artemis III: Humanity's Return to the Lunar Surface

The success of Artemis II is paramount, as it directly paves the way for Artemis III, the mission slated to finally see astronauts set foot on the lunar surface. The last time humans walked on the Moon was in 1972, with the Apollo 17 mission.

NASA aims for this historic landing by 2028, though this is acknowledged as an ambitious timeline. Elon Musk's SpaceX holds a contract to develop the lunar lander for Artemis III, which will be ferried to the Moon via a SpaceX Starship rocket. However, Starship's development delays have prompted NASA to request a streamlined plan from SpaceX to expedite the return to the Moon. In a move to foster competition and accelerate progress, NASA has also enlisted Jeff Bezos's Blue Origin to propose an accelerated lunar lander plan for Artemis III.

The New Space Race: Global Ambitions at the Moon's South Pole

Beyond the tech billionaire rivalry, the United States is under considerable pressure to reclaim its lunar presence. China, a formidable competitor, is targeting its own lunar landing by 2030 and has been making consistent strides towards this goal. Both nations share a strategic interest in the Moon's south pole, with plans to establish lunar bases in this region, setting the stage for a new era of international competition and cooperation in space exploration.