**
Overview
The Artemis Program is a NASA mission that seeks to return humans to the lunar surface by 2025 and establish a sustainable presence on the Moon. This ambitious program is a significant step towards NASA's long-term goal of sending humans to Mars and beyond. The program is named after the Greek goddess of the hunt, Artemis, who is also the twin sister of Apollo, the god of the Sun. The mission is a major undertaking that requires significant technological advancements, infrastructure development, and international cooperation.
The Artemis Program is a response to the challenges posed by the current state of space exploration. The program aims to address the limitations of the current space transportation system, which is largely based on the Space Shuttle program that was retired in 2011. The new program will utilize a combination of commercial and government-developed spacecraft, including the Space Launch System (SLS) and the Orion spacecraft, to transport astronauts to the Moon and establish a sustainable presence on the lunar surface.
History/Background
The Artemis Program was announced by NASA in May 2019, with a budget of $2.5 billion allocated for the first year. The program is a major component of NASA's Artemis plan, which was developed in response to the Space Policy Directive-1 (SPD-1) signed by President Donald Trump in 2017. The directive called for NASA to return humans to the lunar surface by 2024 and establish a sustainable presence on the Moon.
The development of the Artemis Program has been a collaborative effort between NASA and its international partners, including the European Space Agency (ESA), the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), and the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). The program has also received significant support from the private sector, with companies such as SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Lockheed Martin providing critical components and services.
Key Information
The Artemis Program has several key components, including:
* Space Launch System (SLS): A heavy-lift rocket that will be used to transport astronauts to the Moon.
* Orion spacecraft: A spacecraft designed to carry astronauts to the Moon and provide life support systems for the crew.
* Gateway: A lunar-orbiting space station that will serve as a base for missions to the lunar surface.
* Commercial lunar landing services: Private companies will be contracted to provide lunar landing services for NASA missions.
The Artemis Program has several significant milestones, including:
* Artemis I: An uncrewed mission that will test the SLS and Orion spacecraft in 2022.
* Artemis II: A crewed mission that will send astronauts to the Moon's vicinity in 2023.
* Artemis III: A mission that will send the first woman and the next man to the lunar surface in 2025.
Significance
The Artemis Program is a significant step towards establishing a sustainable presence on the Moon and using the Moon as a stepping stone for further human exploration of the solar system. The program has several key benefits, including:
* Advancing space technology: The Artemis Program will drive innovation and technological advancements in areas such as propulsion, life support systems, and materials science.
* Expanding scientific knowledge: The program will provide opportunities for scientists to conduct research on the Moon and gain insights into the Moon's geology, composition, and environment.
* Inspiring future generations: The Artemis Program will inspire a new generation of scientists, engineers, and explorers to pursue careers in space exploration.
INFOBOX:
- Name: Artemis Program
- Type: NASA mission
- Date: 2019
- Location: Lunar surface
- Known For: Returning humans to the lunar surface by 2025 and establishing a sustainable presence on the Moon.
TAGS: Space exploration, NASA, Artemis Program, lunar surface, space technology, scientific research, international cooperation, space policy, space commerce.
