Why NASA's Artemis 2 crew don't want to be remembered
What's the story
NASA's Artemis 2 mission is set to make history by sending four astronauts on a crewed journey around the Moon. The expedition will be the first of its kind since Apollo 17 in 1972. However, despite its historic significance, the crew members are not looking for personal recognition. They believe their mission is just a stepping stone toward future exploration efforts.
Astronaut lineup
Meet the Artemis 2 crew
The Artemis 2 mission will be manned by NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen. The team is a mix of seasoned space travelers and newcomers to lunar exploration. Wiseman has previously flown on a long-duration International Space Station mission while Glover was the first Black astronaut to have an extended stay on the ISS.
Mission significance
Significance of Artemis 2 mission
The Artemis 2 mission will be a crucial test run for systems and procedures that will be used in later missions, including the planned Artemis 3. This future mission aims to land astronauts on the Moon and lay the groundwork for a long-term human presence there. It is also a key part of NASA's broader strategy to send humans to Mars.
Launch update
NASA pushes back Artemis II launch to March
NASA has pushed back the Artemis II launch to March, after ruling out February. The decision comes after the first Wet Dress Rehearsal at Kennedy Space Center was completed. During this rehearsal, a liquid hydrogen leak was detected at the SLS core interface. Operations were halted several times to reseat seals and adjust propellant flow before an automatic stop was triggered at T-5 minutes 15 seconds.
Future exploration
NASA's goal for Moon and Mars missions
The Artemis program is a major part of NASA's plan to establish a permanent human presence on and around the Moon by 2030. This program also has an eye toward future Mars missions. The first crewed mission of this program, Artemis 2, will be instrumental in testing systems and procedures for later missions.