What To Know About Artemis 1 and Why We Should Care

NASA plans to do a test launch on August 29th, 2022, at 12:33 GMT.  Here’s what to know about  Artemis 1: the mega rocket that is the most technologically advanced and the most powerful rocket in human history.

The rocket will have no passengers and will orbit the moon. It will not be returning to Earth but will pave the way for astronauts and NASA scientists to eventually colonize the moon and set up “space-camp” to conduct further outer space research. This will be humanity’s first time returning to the moon in decades and NASA’s most prominent achievement since the James Webb Telescope.

Artemis 1 is comprised of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen tanks powering the rocket’s two engines. The rocket is 322 ft tall (17 ft taller than the Statue of Liberty), and can lift 1.3 million lbs more than the Saturn V (its predecessor). Starting with this design, according to CNET, NASA scientists are already looking at building rockets with 4 engines that will be able to transport people to other locations in the solar system sooner than we think.

Although scientists will be returning to the moon, blueprints are already in the works to take astronauts into deeper space. Nevertheless, this will be SLS (The Space Launch System) first space launch.

Who Is Going To The Moon Though and What Does It Have To Do With Equality

Democratic presidential candidate former Vice President Joe Biden and his running mate Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., arrive to speak at a news conference at Alexis Dupont High School in Wilmington, Del., Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2020. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Two astronauts: including the first woman and the first person of color to ever land on the moon in human history as part of President Biden and VP Kamala Harris’s equity initiative.

Biden has proposed an equity plan through federal government initiatives, NASA’s Artemis 1 project being one of them.

“It is therefore the policy of my Administration that the Federal Government should pursue a comprehensive approach to advancing equity for all, including people of color and others who have been historically underserved, marginalized, and adversely affected by persistent poverty and inequality.  Affirmatively advancing equity, civil rights, racial justice, and equal opportunity is the responsibility of the whole of our Government.”

This will not only be a major win for NASA but an even bigger win for social justice worldwide. NASA aims to make history by 2025.

Who is Orion?

142 – Right

Artemis and Orion have a long and complicated history in Ancient Greek mythology… but we’re not talking about the tragic love story, nor are we referring to the constellation. We’re talking about a critical part of Artemis 1’s anatomy, the actual spacecraft attached to the nose of Artemis 1. Orion is the only part of Artemis 1 that will return back to Earth.

Where Does Artemis 1 Get Its Name?

Greek mythology, of course. Artemis was the sister of Apollo (who carried the sun with his chariot) and lover of Orion. Cleverly, Artemis 1 is therefore the successor of the Apollo program to the moon from 1968-1972 and the sister project of Apollo.


Comparisons to Space X Rockets

One of the fundamental differences between the Artemis 1 model and the Space X rockets is that Artemis 1, unlike Space X, cannot be reused. Why, you ask: NASA is focused on exporting its payload to the moon. In order for the rocket to be reusable, it would have to sacrifice this payload space in exchange for additional gear and fuel to be able to circle back and land again on Earth.

What Does This Mean For The Future of Space Travel?


It means quite a lot. In other words, NASA is trying to make space travel more groundbreaking and accessible for the long-haul. We’re now playing around with space colonization and deep space exploration which could lead to more pivotal advancements in the future. Next on the list, as with Space X, is the Mars colonization mission. In 2022, it is mind boggling to think that in 3 years, we could be looking at becoming the first multi-planetary species in the world. The next generation could be watching scientists build underground cities on Mars and rockets regularly leaving to the moon. Until 2025, for now, let the space-race begin.

 

Madrid-based traveler, visual and performing artist, and content writer.

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