NASA’s Artemis program aims to return humans to the Moon and lay the groundwork for future manned missions to Mars. Initiated in 2017, the program’s primary objectives include establishing a sustainable human presence on the Moon by the end of the decade and leveraging lunar exploration to prepare for human missions to Mars. Artemis I, an uncrewed test flight, and Artemis II, the first crewed mission, serve as critical precursors to Artemis III, which will land astronauts on the lunar surface for the first time since 1972. One of the key goals of Artemis is to explore the lunar South Pole, an area rich in water ice, which can be used for life support and fuel production, thus enabling longer missions.

The program also aims to develop new technologies, capabilities, and business approaches, fostering international partnerships and commercial opportunities. By establishing the Lunar Gateway, a space station orbiting the Moon, Artemis intends to create a staging point for deeper space exploration and research. This orbital platform will facilitate sustained lunar exploration, provide a habitat for astronauts, and serve as a hub for scientific investigations. Moreover, Artemis emphasizes inclusivity by planning to land the first woman and the next man on the Moon, inspiring a new generation of scientists, engineers, and explorers. Through Artemis, NASA seeks to expand human understanding of the Moon, utilize its resources, and demonstrate new technological advancements, ultimately paving the way for human exploration of Mars and beyond.