As anticipation grows for NASA’s first Artemis mission, the uncrewed Artemis I, which will launch later this month, the agency has given further details about its plans for future crewed moon trips. The Artemis III project will put humans on the moon for the first time in 50 years, and NASA has now revealed the 13 probable landing sites.
The 13 spots are located near the moon’s south pole and were chosen for their accessibility as well as geological curiosity.
“Several of the proposed sites within the regions are located among some of the oldest parts of the Moon, and together with the permanently shadowed regions, provide the opportunity to learn about the history of the Moon through previously unstudied lunar materials,”
Sarah Noble, Artemis lunar science lead for NASA’s Planetary Science Division
The perennially shaded regions are significant because they are among the most likely to contain water ice, a critical lunar resource. Astronauts will execute a moonwalk to study these sites during a week-long stay on the lunar surface. They must also be near some patches of sunshine because this will give electricity for the mission.
“Selecting these regions means we are one giant leap closer to returning humans to the Moon for the first time since Apollo. When we do, it will be unlike any mission that’s come before as astronauts venture into dark areas previously unexplored by humans and lay the groundwork for future long-term stays”
Mark Kirasich, deputy associate administrator for the Artemis Campaign Development Division at NASA Headquarters in Washington
NASA will hold a series of seminars and conferences with scientists and engineers to identify which of the 13 candidates will be the ultimate landing site. Furthermore, the government will collaborate with SpaceX, who will provide the mission’s lander, to ensure that the landing spot is safe for the craft. The launch of Artemis III is presently slated for 2025.
News Source : CRUCIAL NEWS GLOBAL
image credits: NASA
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