Artemis I’s launch attempt was originally scheduled for Monday, but an engine problem forced the attempt to be scrapped — we’re looking at Saturday for attempt No. 2, but with space missions, the future is never entirely certain. However, after years of delays and a lot of money, a star-studded excursion for Artemis A is finally in sight. Although the vehicle commissioned for this venture — officially called the Space Launch System but also known as the world’s most powerful rocket — won’t be carrying astronauts to the surface of the moon this time, it’s NASA’s golden ticket to untouchables regions of space. Aiming skyward and sporting the bright orange hue of its spray-insulated coating, Artemis I’s SLS will carry instruments into lunar orbit to gather vital information for the Artemis II mission, which will put humans into orbit around from the lunar sphere. Artemis II will then pave the way for Artemis III, a 2025 mission that may finally add more boot prints to the gray ground, along with those captured decades ago by Apollo astronauts. And that’s just an overview of the first three steps of NASA’s Artemis odyssey. Ultimately, this program is poised to achieve exciting feats such as planting the first woman and the first person of color on the moon, building a lunar base camp, building a spaceship in lunar orbit, connecting an off-world internet, and even laying the groundwork for a future in which humanity settles on Mars. “When we think of Artemis, we focus a lot on the moon,” Reid Wiseman, chief astronaut at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, said at an Aug. 5 press conference. “But I just want everyone in the room and everyone watching to remember our sights are not on the moon. Our sights are squarely on Mars.” Earth’s moon is seen rising behind the SLS rocket with the Orion spacecraft. Aubrey Gemignani/NASA All things considered, Artemis I is such a big deal because the success of this mission will dictate the timeline for NASA’s sci-fi moon goals. You can think of Artemis I as an extremely high-stakes precursor to everything to come for American lunar exploration, building on everything that came before. The SLS is currently home for the big day on launchpad 39B, standing poetically where NASA’s Saturn V once stood for Apollo 10. Not only did Apollo 10 christen 39B, it also lit the way for Apollo 11, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin’s later historic landing on the glowing globe (with Michael Collins patiently hovering in the Command Unit). “To all of us who look up at the moon, dreaming of the day when humanity returns to the lunar surface,” NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said during a press conference, “kids, we’re here — we’re coming back. The journey begins with Artemis A’. Now let’s talk about some details of Artemis I.
Artemis I 101
There are two main components of the Artemis I space probe: an apricot-colored SLS rocket and a conical, white spacecraft called Orion. Orion sits atop the SLS like the spire of a castle tower. Inside Orion, there’s a lot going on. It is essentially the Artemis I cabin. Ultimately, the goal is for the superpowered SLS to propel Orion into lunar orbit. NASA’s rendering of the Orion spacecraft leaving Earth’s orbit and heading into lunar orbit. NASA During this trip, all the fun bric-a-brac will be christened the alien club, scientific mechanisms will detail what orbit is like and feel like, and human mannequins will react to dangerous aspects of space travel, such as the absorption of radiation, in situ assessment. Once completed, Orion is expected to launch safely off the coast of San Diego. If you’re into the technical details, you can find a detailed look at the SLS launch sequence here. “Orion will venture farther than any human-built spacecraft has ever flown,” Nelson said. “And after its long test flight, Orion will return home faster and hotter than any spacecraft before. It will hit Earth’s atmosphere at 32 times the speed of sound.” That piece could be especially important if, as the agency hopes, the SLS and Orion plan supports future missions designed to one day reach Mars, and perhaps even deep space. According to Nelson, if Orion were to return to Earth from a Mars mission, it could reach speeds of about 36 times the speed of sound. Fortunately for us space watchers (yes, I meant not to say astrologers), Orion also has cameras installed so we can keep an eye on what’s going on as it pursues its mission. “We’re going to try to catch the East of Earth,” enthused Rick LaBrown, chief flight officer at the Johnson Space Center at a news conference. “This is an impressive picture.” Earthrise, taken during Apollo 8, the first crewed trip to the outskirts of the Moon. Bill Anders/NASA Even as Orion ascends from our planet, NASA will be broadcasting a live stream of the sights it sees. “We plan to bring every one of you during the mission,” Mike Sarafin, Artemis mission manager, said during the press conference. “We will be sharing images from both the ground and the launch vehicle on the spacecraft throughout.”
Okay, I’m on the edge of my seat. But what comes next?
Considering how much I write about the moon, I’ve often wondered what might have happened if NASA had continued with the Apollo program – unhindered by Cold War tensions and budget cuts. Could there have been an international space station orbiting the moon? Maybe there were lunar settlements, or maybe ATVs that astronauts could ride from crater to crater? Well, in a way, we might be about to find out. Artemis kind of picks up where her Greek-speaking twin, Apollo, left off. (Apollo was a god, Artemis a goddess.) “This is now the generation of Artemis,” Nelson said. I mean, assuming everything goes according to all Artemis stages, here’s a few things to look forward to over the next decade or so. (Okay, but to reiterate, a lot has to go into planning for any of this to happen.) The Lunar Gateway With the help of international space agencies from at least 18 other countries, NASA signed the Artemis Accords. And part of that agreement, which basically outlines the principles needed for peaceful space cooperation, led to an idea called the lunar gateway. The Lunar Gateway is a planned small space station that will sit in lunar orbit and serve as a solar-powered communications hub, a science lab, a housing unit for astronauts, a rover or robot detention center, and other such things. It’s like a moon ISS. A complete view of the Gateway that includes input from international partners. Built with commercial and international partners, Gateway will be critical to sustainable lunar exploration and serve as a model for future missions to Mars, NASA says. Alberto Bertolin/NASA Already, in fact, NASA has sent a microwave-oven-sized satellite called Capstone into lunar orbit to provide information about Gateway. “Gateway’s capabilities to support continued deep space exploration and research include docking ports for a variety of visiting spacecraft, space for the crew to live and work, and on-board scientific research to study heliophysics, human health and life sciences, among other fields,” NASA said. LunaNet We also have the prospect of LunaNet, which will serve the navigation, networking and other communication responsibilities of the Artemis astronauts. “Astronaut safety and well-being are primary concerns of the Artemis missions,” NASA’s National Affairs Office of Search and Rescue mission director Cody Kelly said in a statement. “Using LunaNet’s navigation services, LunaSAR will provide location data to NASA distress beacons should the unexpected arise.” Here’s what it might look like…
title: “Nasa Artemis I Moon Launch What You Need To Know About The Mega Mission Klmat” ShowToc: true date: “2022-11-16” author: “Shannon Graham”
Artemis I’s launch attempt was originally scheduled for Monday, but an engine problem forced the attempt to be scrapped — we’re looking at Saturday for attempt No. 2, but with space missions, the future is never entirely certain. However, after years of delays and a lot of money, a star-studded excursion for Artemis A is finally in sight. Although the vehicle commissioned for this venture — officially called the Space Launch System but also known as the world’s most powerful rocket — won’t be carrying astronauts to the surface of the moon this time, it’s NASA’s golden ticket to untouchables regions of space. Aiming skyward and sporting the bright orange hue of its spray-insulated coating, Artemis I’s SLS will carry instruments into lunar orbit to gather vital information for the Artemis II mission, which will put humans into orbit around from the lunar sphere. Artemis II will then pave the way for Artemis III, a 2025 mission that may finally add more boot prints to the gray ground, along with those captured decades ago by Apollo astronauts. And that’s just an overview of the first three steps of NASA’s Artemis odyssey. Ultimately, this program is poised to achieve exciting feats such as planting the first woman and the first person of color on the moon, building a lunar base camp, building a spaceship in lunar orbit, connecting an off-world internet, and even laying the groundwork for a future in which humanity settles on Mars. “When we think of Artemis, we focus a lot on the moon,” Reid Wiseman, chief astronaut at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, said at an Aug. 5 press conference. “But I just want everyone in the room and everyone watching to remember our sights are not on the moon. Our sights are squarely on Mars.” Earth’s moon is seen rising behind the SLS rocket with the Orion spacecraft. Aubrey Gemignani/NASA All things considered, Artemis I is such a big deal because the success of this mission will dictate the timeline for NASA’s sci-fi moon goals. You can think of Artemis I as an extremely high-stakes precursor to everything to come for American lunar exploration, building on everything that came before. The SLS is currently home for the big day on launchpad 39B, standing poetically where NASA’s Saturn V once stood for Apollo 10. Not only did Apollo 10 christen 39B, it also lit the way for Apollo 11, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin’s later historic landing on the glowing globe (with Michael Collins patiently hovering in the Command Unit). “To all of us who look up at the moon, dreaming of the day when humanity returns to the lunar surface,” NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said during a press conference, “kids, we’re here — we’re coming back. The journey begins with Artemis A’. Now let’s talk about some details of Artemis I.
Artemis I 101
There are two main components of the Artemis I space probe: an apricot-colored SLS rocket and a conical, white spacecraft called Orion. Orion sits atop the SLS like the spire of a castle tower. Inside Orion, there’s a lot going on. It is essentially the Artemis I cabin. Ultimately, the goal is for the superpowered SLS to propel Orion into lunar orbit. NASA’s rendering of the Orion spacecraft leaving Earth’s orbit and heading into lunar orbit. NASA During this trip, all the fun bric-a-brac will be christened the alien club, scientific mechanisms will detail what orbit is like and feel like, and human mannequins will react to dangerous aspects of space travel, such as the absorption of radiation, in situ assessment. Once completed, Orion is expected to launch safely off the coast of San Diego. If you’re into the technical details, you can find a detailed look at the SLS launch sequence here. “Orion will venture farther than any human-built spacecraft has ever flown,” Nelson said. “And after its long test flight, Orion will return home faster and hotter than any spacecraft before. It will hit Earth’s atmosphere at 32 times the speed of sound.” That piece could be especially important if, as the agency hopes, the SLS and Orion plan supports future missions designed to one day reach Mars, and perhaps even deep space. According to Nelson, if Orion were to return to Earth from a Mars mission, it could reach speeds of about 36 times the speed of sound. Fortunately for us space watchers (yes, I meant not to say astrologers), Orion also has cameras installed so we can keep an eye on what’s going on as it pursues its mission. “We’re going to try to catch the East of Earth,” enthused Rick LaBrown, chief flight officer at the Johnson Space Center at a news conference. “This is an impressive picture.” Earthrise, taken during Apollo 8, the first crewed trip to the outskirts of the Moon. Bill Anders/NASA Even as Orion ascends from our planet, NASA will be broadcasting a live stream of the sights it sees. “We plan to bring every one of you during the mission,” Mike Sarafin, Artemis mission manager, said during the press conference. “We will be sharing images from both the ground and the launch vehicle on the spacecraft throughout.”
Okay, I’m on the edge of my seat. But what comes next?
Considering how much I write about the moon, I’ve often wondered what might have happened if NASA had continued with the Apollo program – unhindered by Cold War tensions and budget cuts. Could there have been an international space station orbiting the moon? Maybe there were lunar settlements, or maybe ATVs that astronauts could ride from crater to crater? Well, in a way, we might be about to find out. Artemis kind of picks up where her Greek-speaking twin, Apollo, left off. (Apollo was a god, Artemis a goddess.) “This is now the generation of Artemis,” Nelson said. I mean, assuming everything goes according to all Artemis stages, here’s a few things to look forward to over the next decade or so. (Okay, but to reiterate, a lot has to go into planning for any of this to happen.) The Lunar Gateway With the help of international space agencies from at least 18 other countries, NASA signed the Artemis Accords. And part of that agreement, which basically outlines the principles needed for peaceful space cooperation, led to an idea called the lunar gateway. The Lunar Gateway is a planned small space station that will sit in lunar orbit and serve as a solar-powered communications hub, a science lab, a housing unit for astronauts, a rover or robot detention center, and other such things. It’s like a moon ISS. A complete view of the Gateway that includes input from international partners. Built with commercial and international partners, Gateway will be critical to sustainable lunar exploration and serve as a model for future missions to Mars, NASA says. Alberto Bertolin/NASA Already, in fact, NASA has sent a microwave-oven-sized satellite called Capstone into lunar orbit to provide information about Gateway. “Gateway’s capabilities to support continued deep space exploration and research include docking ports for a variety of visiting spacecraft, space for the crew to live and work, and on-board scientific research to study heliophysics, human health and life sciences, among other fields,” NASA said. LunaNet We also have the prospect of LunaNet, which will serve the navigation, networking and other communication responsibilities of the Artemis astronauts. “Astronaut safety and well-being are primary concerns of the Artemis missions,” NASA’s National Affairs Office of Search and Rescue mission director Cody Kelly said in a statement. “Using LunaNet’s navigation services, LunaSAR will provide location data to NASA distress beacons should the unexpected arise.” Here’s what it might look like…
title: “Nasa Artemis I Moon Launch What You Need To Know About The Mega Mission Klmat” ShowToc: true date: “2022-11-23” author: “Andrew Bunton”
Artemis I’s launch attempt was originally scheduled for Monday, but an engine problem forced the attempt to be scrapped — we’re looking at Saturday for attempt No. 2, but with space missions, the future is never entirely certain. However, after years of delays and a lot of money, a star-studded excursion for Artemis A is finally in sight. Although the vehicle commissioned for this venture — officially called the Space Launch System but also known as the world’s most powerful rocket — won’t be carrying astronauts to the surface of the moon this time, it’s NASA’s golden ticket to untouchables regions of space. Aiming skyward and sporting the bright orange hue of its spray-insulated coating, Artemis I’s SLS will carry instruments into lunar orbit to gather vital information for the Artemis II mission, which will put humans into orbit around from the lunar sphere. Artemis II will then pave the way for Artemis III, a 2025 mission that may finally add more boot prints to the gray ground, along with those captured decades ago by Apollo astronauts. And that’s just an overview of the first three steps of NASA’s Artemis odyssey. Ultimately, this program is poised to achieve exciting feats such as planting the first woman and the first person of color on the moon, building a lunar base camp, building a spaceship in lunar orbit, connecting an off-world internet, and even laying the groundwork for a future in which humanity settles on Mars. “When we think of Artemis, we focus a lot on the moon,” Reid Wiseman, chief astronaut at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, said at an Aug. 5 press conference. “But I just want everyone in the room and everyone watching to remember our sights are not on the moon. Our sights are squarely on Mars.” Earth’s moon is seen rising behind the SLS rocket with the Orion spacecraft. Aubrey Gemignani/NASA All things considered, Artemis I is such a big deal because the success of this mission will dictate the timeline for NASA’s sci-fi moon goals. You can think of Artemis I as an extremely high-stakes precursor to everything to come for American lunar exploration, building on everything that came before. The SLS is currently home for the big day on launchpad 39B, standing poetically where NASA’s Saturn V once stood for Apollo 10. Not only did Apollo 10 christen 39B, it also lit the way for Apollo 11, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin’s later historic landing on the glowing globe (with Michael Collins patiently hovering in the Command Unit). “To all of us who look up at the moon, dreaming of the day when humanity returns to the lunar surface,” NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said during a press conference, “kids, we’re here — we’re coming back. The journey begins with Artemis A’. Now let’s talk about some details of Artemis I.
Artemis I 101
There are two main components of the Artemis I space probe: an apricot-colored SLS rocket and a conical, white spacecraft called Orion. Orion sits atop the SLS like the spire of a castle tower. Inside Orion, there’s a lot going on. It is essentially the Artemis I cabin. Ultimately, the goal is for the superpowered SLS to propel Orion into lunar orbit. NASA’s rendering of the Orion spacecraft leaving Earth’s orbit and heading into lunar orbit. NASA During this trip, all the fun bric-a-brac will be christened the alien club, scientific mechanisms will detail what orbit is like and feel like, and human mannequins will react to dangerous aspects of space travel, such as the absorption of radiation, in situ assessment. Once completed, Orion is expected to launch safely off the coast of San Diego. If you’re into the technical details, you can find a detailed look at the SLS launch sequence here. “Orion will venture farther than any human-built spacecraft has ever flown,” Nelson said. “And after its long test flight, Orion will return home faster and hotter than any spacecraft before. It will hit Earth’s atmosphere at 32 times the speed of sound.” That piece could be especially important if, as the agency hopes, the SLS and Orion plan supports future missions designed to one day reach Mars, and perhaps even deep space. According to Nelson, if Orion were to return to Earth from a Mars mission, it could reach speeds of about 36 times the speed of sound. Fortunately for us space watchers (yes, I meant not to say astrologers), Orion also has cameras installed so we can keep an eye on what’s going on as it pursues its mission. “We’re going to try to catch the East of Earth,” enthused Rick LaBrown, chief flight officer at the Johnson Space Center at a news conference. “This is an impressive picture.” Earthrise, taken during Apollo 8, the first crewed trip to the outskirts of the Moon. Bill Anders/NASA Even as Orion ascends from our planet, NASA will be broadcasting a live stream of the sights it sees. “We plan to bring every one of you during the mission,” Mike Sarafin, Artemis mission manager, said during the press conference. “We will be sharing images from both the ground and the launch vehicle on the spacecraft throughout.”
Okay, I’m on the edge of my seat. But what comes next?
Considering how much I write about the moon, I’ve often wondered what might have happened if NASA had continued with the Apollo program – unhindered by Cold War tensions and budget cuts. Could there have been an international space station orbiting the moon? Maybe there were lunar settlements, or maybe ATVs that astronauts could ride from crater to crater? Well, in a way, we might be about to find out. Artemis kind of picks up where her Greek-speaking twin, Apollo, left off. (Apollo was a god, Artemis a goddess.) “This is now the generation of Artemis,” Nelson said. I mean, assuming everything goes according to all Artemis stages, here’s a few things to look forward to over the next decade or so. (Okay, but to reiterate, a lot has to go into planning for any of this to happen.) The Lunar Gateway With the help of international space agencies from at least 18 other countries, NASA signed the Artemis Accords. And part of that agreement, which basically outlines the principles needed for peaceful space cooperation, led to an idea called the lunar gateway. The Lunar Gateway is a planned small space station that will sit in lunar orbit and serve as a solar-powered communications hub, a science lab, a housing unit for astronauts, a rover or robot detention center, and other such things. It’s like a moon ISS. A complete view of the Gateway that includes input from international partners. Built with commercial and international partners, Gateway will be critical to sustainable lunar exploration and serve as a model for future missions to Mars, NASA says. Alberto Bertolin/NASA Already, in fact, NASA has sent a microwave-oven-sized satellite called Capstone into lunar orbit to provide information about Gateway. “Gateway’s capabilities to support continued deep space exploration and research include docking ports for a variety of visiting spacecraft, space for the crew to live and work, and on-board scientific research to study heliophysics, human health and life sciences, among other fields,” NASA said. LunaNet We also have the prospect of LunaNet, which will serve the navigation, networking and other communication responsibilities of the Artemis astronauts. “Astronaut safety and well-being are primary concerns of the Artemis missions,” NASA’s National Affairs Office of Search and Rescue mission director Cody Kelly said in a statement. “Using LunaNet’s navigation services, LunaSAR will provide location data to NASA distress beacons should the unexpected arise.” Here’s what it might look like…
title: “Nasa Artemis I Moon Launch What You Need To Know About The Mega Mission Klmat” ShowToc: true date: “2022-11-24” author: “Guadalupe Walls”
Artemis I’s launch attempt was originally scheduled for Monday, but an engine problem forced the attempt to be scrapped — we’re looking at Saturday for attempt No. 2, but with space missions, the future is never entirely certain. However, after years of delays and a lot of money, a star-studded excursion for Artemis A is finally in sight. Although the vehicle commissioned for this venture — officially called the Space Launch System but also known as the world’s most powerful rocket — won’t be carrying astronauts to the surface of the moon this time, it’s NASA’s golden ticket to untouchables regions of space. Aiming skyward and sporting the bright orange hue of its spray-insulated coating, Artemis I’s SLS will carry instruments into lunar orbit to gather vital information for the Artemis II mission, which will put humans into orbit around from the lunar sphere. Artemis II will then pave the way for Artemis III, a 2025 mission that may finally add more boot prints to the gray ground, along with those captured decades ago by Apollo astronauts. And that’s just an overview of the first three steps of NASA’s Artemis odyssey. Ultimately, this program is poised to achieve exciting feats such as planting the first woman and the first person of color on the moon, building a lunar base camp, building a spaceship in lunar orbit, connecting an off-world internet, and even laying the groundwork for a future in which humanity settles on Mars. “When we think of Artemis, we focus a lot on the moon,” Reid Wiseman, chief astronaut at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, said at an Aug. 5 press conference. “But I just want everyone in the room and everyone watching to remember our sights are not on the moon. Our sights are squarely on Mars.” Earth’s moon is seen rising behind the SLS rocket with the Orion spacecraft. Aubrey Gemignani/NASA All things considered, Artemis I is such a big deal because the success of this mission will dictate the timeline for NASA’s sci-fi moon goals. You can think of Artemis I as an extremely high-stakes precursor to everything to come for American lunar exploration, building on everything that came before. The SLS is currently home for the big day on launchpad 39B, standing poetically where NASA’s Saturn V once stood for Apollo 10. Not only did Apollo 10 christen 39B, it also lit the way for Apollo 11, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin’s later historic landing on the glowing globe (with Michael Collins patiently hovering in the Command Unit). “To all of us who look up at the moon, dreaming of the day when humanity returns to the lunar surface,” NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said during a press conference, “kids, we’re here — we’re coming back. The journey begins with Artemis A’. Now let’s talk about some details of Artemis I.
Artemis I 101
There are two main components of the Artemis I space probe: an apricot-colored SLS rocket and a conical, white spacecraft called Orion. Orion sits atop the SLS like the spire of a castle tower. Inside Orion, there’s a lot going on. It is essentially the Artemis I cabin. Ultimately, the goal is for the superpowered SLS to propel Orion into lunar orbit. NASA’s rendering of the Orion spacecraft leaving Earth’s orbit and heading into lunar orbit. NASA During this trip, all the fun bric-a-brac will be christened the alien club, scientific mechanisms will detail what orbit is like and feel like, and human mannequins will react to dangerous aspects of space travel, such as the absorption of radiation, in situ assessment. Once completed, Orion is expected to launch safely off the coast of San Diego. If you’re into the technical details, you can find a detailed look at the SLS launch sequence here. “Orion will venture farther than any human-built spacecraft has ever flown,” Nelson said. “And after its long test flight, Orion will return home faster and hotter than any spacecraft before. It will hit Earth’s atmosphere at 32 times the speed of sound.” That piece could be especially important if, as the agency hopes, the SLS and Orion plan supports future missions designed to one day reach Mars, and perhaps even deep space. According to Nelson, if Orion were to return to Earth from a Mars mission, it could reach speeds of about 36 times the speed of sound. Fortunately for us space watchers (yes, I meant not to say astrologers), Orion also has cameras installed so we can keep an eye on what’s going on as it pursues its mission. “We’re going to try to catch the East of Earth,” enthused Rick LaBrown, chief flight officer at the Johnson Space Center at a news conference. “This is an impressive picture.” Earthrise, taken during Apollo 8, the first crewed trip to the outskirts of the Moon. Bill Anders/NASA Even as Orion ascends from our planet, NASA will be broadcasting a live stream of the sights it sees. “We plan to bring every one of you during the mission,” Mike Sarafin, Artemis mission manager, said during the press conference. “We will be sharing images from both the ground and the launch vehicle on the spacecraft throughout.”
Okay, I’m on the edge of my seat. But what comes next?
Considering how much I write about the moon, I’ve often wondered what might have happened if NASA had continued with the Apollo program – unhindered by Cold War tensions and budget cuts. Could there have been an international space station orbiting the moon? Maybe there were lunar settlements, or maybe ATVs that astronauts could ride from crater to crater? Well, in a way, we might be about to find out. Artemis kind of picks up where her Greek-speaking twin, Apollo, left off. (Apollo was a god, Artemis a goddess.) “This is now the generation of Artemis,” Nelson said. I mean, assuming everything goes according to all Artemis stages, here’s a few things to look forward to over the next decade or so. (Okay, but to reiterate, a lot has to go into planning for any of this to happen.) The Lunar Gateway With the help of international space agencies from at least 18 other countries, NASA signed the Artemis Accords. And part of that agreement, which basically outlines the principles needed for peaceful space cooperation, led to an idea called the lunar gateway. The Lunar Gateway is a planned small space station that will sit in lunar orbit and serve as a solar-powered communications hub, a science lab, a housing unit for astronauts, a rover or robot detention center, and other such things. It’s like a moon ISS. A complete view of the Gateway that includes input from international partners. Built with commercial and international partners, Gateway will be critical to sustainable lunar exploration and serve as a model for future missions to Mars, NASA says. Alberto Bertolin/NASA Already, in fact, NASA has sent a microwave-oven-sized satellite called Capstone into lunar orbit to provide information about Gateway. “Gateway’s capabilities to support continued deep space exploration and research include docking ports for a variety of visiting spacecraft, space for the crew to live and work, and on-board scientific research to study heliophysics, human health and life sciences, among other fields,” NASA said. LunaNet We also have the prospect of LunaNet, which will serve the navigation, networking and other communication responsibilities of the Artemis astronauts. “Astronaut safety and well-being are primary concerns of the Artemis missions,” NASA’s National Affairs Office of Search and Rescue mission director Cody Kelly said in a statement. “Using LunaNet’s navigation services, LunaSAR will provide location data to NASA distress beacons should the unexpected arise.” Here’s what it might look like…
