Artemis II crew enters moon’s gravitational grip ahead of historic flyby
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Space technology (ISRO, missions)· Prelims·
Why in news
NASA's Artemis II mission is scheduled to perform the first flyby of the moon's far side in over half a century, aiming to observe a total solar eclipse and capture images of the Orientale basin.
Background
The Artemis II mission involves a six-hour flyby of the moon's far side using the Orion spacecraft. The program aims to return humans to the lunar surface by 2028 and establish a long-term US presence on the moon.
Facts for Prelims
- S&TOrion: The spacecraft used by NASA for the Artemis II mission.
- PlaceOrientale basin: A prominent lunar basin located on the moon's far side.
- FactArtemis II mission target: Return humans to the lunar surface by 2028.
- S&TArtemis II mission objective: First flyby of the moon's far side in over half a century.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the significance of establishing a long-term human presence on the moon in the context of global space exploration and lunar resource utilization.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Geopolitical competition: Strategic positioning of lunar outposts and lunar-based resource extraction rights
- Technological leap: Advancements in life-support systems and deep-space communication for long-duration lunar habitation
Keywords: Lunar exploration · Space diplomacy · Deep-space habitation · Orbital mechanics · Space-based infrastructure
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