In 10 years, humans could be living on the moon, says NASA

It’s like suddenly all the science fiction scenarios come true. At the launch of the Artemis rocket on November 16, NASA entrusted the BBC the objectives of this assignment. On top of the rocket is the Orion spacecraft. Inside, no crew, but a mannequin whose function will be to record the impacts of the flight on the human body. “This is the first step we’re taking toward long-term deep space exploration, not just for the United States, but for the entire world.”said Howard Hu, Orion program director for NASA.

Humans soon to the moon?

This launch of Artemis was the third attempt after the two previous attempts, in August and September, which were interrupted during the countdown due to technical problems. According to BBC, Scientists want to know if there’s water at our satellite’s south pole, because it could be used to power other ships that can go farther into space, like on Mars. To perform this research, habitats would be needed to support science missions. The goal, according to Howard Wu, is therefore to have humans live on the moon “during this decade”. According to the results of this mission, another flight should be planned, this time with a crew, then a third after which the astronauts will aim to set foot on the Moon. It would be the first time since the Apollo 17 mission in 1972. Answer December 11, the date scheduled for the return of the Orion capsule to Earth.

Cover image: Unsplash / Fabian Oelkers