BulletsIn

• More than 50 years after Apollo 11 Moon Landing, humans have still not returned to the Moon.
• Apollo missions were faster but riskier, driven by Cold War urgency and high-risk tolerance.
• Artemis program focuses on long-term human presence on the Moon, not just a one-time landing.
• It aims to build sustainable infrastructure like lunar bases and support future missions to Mars.
• Mission requires multiple complex systems including SLS rocket, Orion spacecraft, and lunar lander.
• Private companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin are involved in building key components.
• Technical issues like fuel leaks, pressurisation problems and heat shield concerns have caused delays.
• Lunar lander based on SpaceX Starship is still under development and adds to mission complexity.
• Initial target of 2024 landing has shifted, with first crewed Moon landing now expected around 2028.
• NASA is prioritising safety, testing and reliability over speed, learning from past missions like Apollo 13.
• Artemis aims to land first woman and person of colour on the Moon, expanding inclusivity.
• Program also reflects global competition, with countries like China advancing lunar ambitions.
• The mission represents a shift from short-term exploration to long-term space presence and sustainability.