NASA's Artemis Program Plans to Land International Astronaut on Moon
By Braden Hirschi
Published December 24, 2023
Vice President Kamala Harris revealed on Wednesday that an international astronaut is set to land on the moon as part of NASA's Artemis program, marking a historic milestone in space exploration.
International Participation in Artemis Program
The announcement signifies a significant expansion of the Artemis program, with the United States committing to include international astronauts in future moon missions. This move aims to strengthen collaborative efforts in space exploration and acknowledges the crucial role of allies and partners in advancing the program.
Elite Lunar Explorers
The decision to allow an international astronaut to walk on the moon elevates them to the esteemed group of individuals who have accomplished this feat. With only 12 individuals having set foot on the lunar surface, the addition of an international astronaut will mark a historic moment in space exploration.
Artemis Mission Details
Each upcoming Artemis moon-landing mission will accommodate four astronauts, with two of them slated to descend to the lunar surface while the remaining pair will orbit the moon in the Orion spacecraft or the Gateway space station.
International Collaboration in Space
NASA's commitment to involving astronauts from various international space agencies, including the European Space Agency, Canadian Space Agency, and Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency, underscores the collaborative nature of the Artemis program and the shared expertise of global partners in advancing space exploration.
Artemis II Mission and International Involvement
The Artemis II mission, scheduled for launch in November 2024, will mark a significant milestone as it will be the first time humans orbit the moon since the Apollo program. The inclusion of astronauts from the Canadian Space Agency in this mission further emphasizes the international collaboration that defines the Artemis program.
Future Lunar Missions and International Partnerships
The Artemis III mission, slated to be the first to land on the moon, is currently scheduled for the end of 2025. This ambitious endeavor reflects NASA's ongoing efforts to monitor the progress of spacecraft development and ensure the successful implementation of the Artemis III mission, which will be crucial in advancing lunar exploration.
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