December 1972 marked the last human footsteps on the Moon. Apollo 17’s astronauts Eugene Cernan, Harrison “Jack” Schmitt, and Ron Evans spent three days on the lunar surface, collecting rocks, testing equipment, and observing the landscape. After rejoining Evans in orbit, they began their return to Earth, leaving the Moon untouched by human eyes for over 50 years. The images and data they brought back became a historic benchmark, a reminder of both achievement and the hiatus that would follow.
The decades that followed were shaped by shifting priorities. NASA turned its attention to low Earth orbit, developing the Space Shuttle program and later the International Space Station. At the same time, safety concerns intensified following the Challenger and Columbia tragedies, emphasizing caution over ambition. Deep space missions, already complex and costly, were deferred as priorities shifted toward sustainable orbital operations.
Artemis and the Road Back to Human Lunar Flight
The Artemis program represents a modern, measured approach to lunar exploration. Unlike Apollo’s short-term landings, Artemis frames the Moon as a testbed for long-duration operations, scientific research, and technology trials essential for Mars missions. International collaboration and commercial involvement broaden the effort, ensuring each step is sustainable and builds toward permanent lunar presence.
Artemis 2 marks the first opportunity for a new generation to see the Moon up close.
The uncrewed Artemis 1 mission, launched in November 2022, successfully demonstrated the Space Launch System (SLS) and Orion spacecraft in a real lunar orbit. The mission returned critical data about spacecraft performance, navigation, and reentry. Minor heat shield damage during atmospheric return led to schedule adjustments for Artemis 2, underscoring the meticulous care required when human lives are at stake.
Artemis 2: The Mission That Brings Humans Back to the Moon
Artemis 2 will carry astronauts on a 10-day journey around the Moon, marking the first human return beyond low Earth orbit in over five decades. Though it is a flyby mission rather than a landing, it will provide astronauts the rare opportunity to see the Moon up close, gaining experience in deep space and validating procedures and systems for future surface missions.
Decades of preparation converge in this 10-day mission around the Moon.
The crew will travel aboard Orion, launched by the SLS rocket, which has the capacity to lift heavier payloads than any launch vehicle since Apollo. Orion’s life support, navigation, and thermal protection systems are designed for deep space conditions, including radiation, long-duration isolation, and high-speed reentry. Data from Artemis 1’s heat shield informed upgrades to ensure crew safety.
What Makes Artemis 2 Different From a Moon Landing
Artemis 2 is a preparatory mission, allowing NASA to test systems under real lunar mission conditions while limiting risk. Only after successful flybys will landing systems and extended surface operations be attempted, ensuring every mission builds on prior knowledge.
The mission will assess human performance under conditions far more demanding than the ISS. Astronauts will face higher radiation, longer communication delays, and limited rescue options, providing crucial insight into the physiological and psychological challenges of deep space travel.
Artemis 1 revealed vulnerabilities in thermal protection, demonstrating that even minor damage could compromise crew safety. This reality prompted delays and reinforced NASA’s cautious approach: safety and mission assurance take precedence over schedule pressure.
NASA prioritizes crew safety, validating systems before any lunar landing attempt.
NASA mitigates risk through incremental testing and validation. Artemis 2 embodies a careful balance: satisfying public interest while rigorously preparing for safe, deep space human operations. Lessons learned here will shape all subsequent lunar missions.
What Humans Returning to the Moon Means for Science and Society
Artemis 2 will provide the first human data for extended lunar operations since Apollo. Life support monitoring, spacecraft systems evaluation, and crew experience will inform future lunar habitats, research laboratories, and resource utilization strategies, gradually enabling longer, safer stays on the Moon.
This mission signals a renewed global commitment to crewed lunar exploration. It opens doors for international cooperation, commercial partnerships, and public engagement, setting a foundation for sustainable space exploration beyond Earth orbit.
Artemis 2 sets the stage for sustainable lunar exploration and future missions to Mars.
What Comes After Artemis 2
Lessons from Artemis 2 will feed directly into Artemis 3, NASA’s first planned lunar landing in this new era. Data on life support, navigation, and human performance will guide the design of landing systems and surface operations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Humans Returning to the Moon
1. When will humans return to the Moon?
NASA’s Artemis 2 mission, planned for 2026, will be the first crewed lunar journey since Apollo 17. It is a flyby mission, not a landing.
2. What is the Artemis 2 mission and why is it important?
Artemis 2 is a 10-day crewed mission that tests Orion spacecraft systems and evaluates human performance beyond low Earth orbit, establishing a foundation for future lunar landings.
3. Why haven’t humans been back to the Moon since Apollo 17?
High costs, shifting priorities toward low Earth orbit, and safety concerns prevented further crewed lunar missions for more than 50 years.
4. Will Artemis 2 land astronauts on the Moon?
No. Artemis 2 is a flyby mission designed to test systems and gather crewed data. Lunar landings are scheduled for Artemis 3 and later missions.
5. How is Artemis different from the Apollo missions?
Artemis emphasizes incremental validation, sustainability, and collaboration, contrasting with Apollo’s short-term, symbolic landings. Commercial and international partners are integral to Artemis strategy.
6. Is the 2026 Moon mission delayed again?
Yes. Heat shield damage during Artemis 1 led NASA to adjust the launch timeline, prioritizing crew safety and system reliability.
7. What spacecraft will carry astronauts back to the Moon?
The Orion spacecraft, launched by the Space Launch System (SLS), provides life support, navigation, and thermal protection for deep space operations.
Sources
- NASA Artemis Program Overview: https://www.nasa.gov/artemis
- NASA Artemis 1 Flight Data & Assessment: https://www.nasa.gov/feature/nasa-artemis-1-flight-data
- National Academies — Human Exploration of Space: https://www.nationalacademies.org
Disclaimer:
Some aspects of the webpage preparation workflow may be informed or enhanced through the use of artificial intelligence technologies. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy and clarity, readers are encouraged to consult primary sources for verification. External links are provided for convenience, and Honores is not responsible for their content or any consequences arising from their use.
