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  • Author(s): SCOLES, SARAH (AUTHOR)
  • Source:
    Scientific American. Oct2024, Vol. 331 Issue 3, p20-29. 10p. 4 Color Photographs, 2 Diagrams.
  • Additional Information
    • Subject Terms:
    • Abstract:
      NASA and its partners are planning to send astronauts back to the moon on the Artemis II mission in 2025. However, the Artemis program has faced delays, cost overruns, and technical problems. The program aims to establish a presence on the moon and eventually reach Mars, but replicating the feat of the Apollo program has proven to be challenging. The decrease in budget and changing dynamics of space exploration have contributed to the difficulties faced by the Artemis program. Additionally, international cooperation and the need to establish behavioral norms in space have added complexity to the mission. Despite using some technology from previous space programs, the new mission requires new and more complicated technology. Overall, the Artemis program faces significant challenges in its goal to return humans to the moon. Retrofitting rocket parts for a new rocket system has been more costly than anticipated, and finding new suppliers for the necessary parts has been challenging. The design of the Orion spacecraft has also been improved to withstand various rigors and stresses. The modernization of space vehicles allows for better monitoring and communication during missions. Society's emphasis on safety and the desire to build things better now, even if it takes longer and is more expensive, has contributed to the delays and increased costs of the Artemis program. Despite these challenges, the Artemis program aims to be safer, involve global partners, and gain public approval. The Artemis missions will explore new areas of the moon, such as the south pole, and are happening in a different context and under [Extracted from the article]
    • Abstract:
      Copyright of Scientific American is the property of Scientific American and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)