Why NASA is racing back to the moon
The real reasons why
Fifty-five years ago, humanity landed its first man on the moon. Now, half a century later, we are preparing to return to the lunar surface. This time, the mission is grander. We plan to build a lunar base camp. This will allow humans to have a permanent presence on the moon.
In 2025, we aim to venture further into deep space than ever before. The next five to ten years promise to be exhilarating. Columbia outfitted the Nova Sea Lunar Lander with their Omni-Heat Infinity fabric. This fabric is designed to endure extreme environments. It has been tested in space and is available in various products on Earth, including jackets and hats.
Many people are envious of those who experienced space travel in the 1960s and 70s. Neil Armstrong’s famous words, "One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind," resonate with all who appreciate space exploration. However, following the last Apollo mission in 1972, lunar exploration faced a halt. In 2019, NASA announced the Artemis program. It is named after Artemis, the Greek goddess of the moon and twin sister to Apollo.
Artemis aims to send humans back to the moon. The goal is to explore for scientific discoveries and technological advancements. We will also learn how to live and work on another world as we prepare for Mars. The first crewed mission is currently scheduled for 2025.
The Artemis program consists of seven planned missions over the next eight years. Artemis 1 has already launched. This uncrewed mission tested deep space exploration systems. It utilized the Space Launch System, the strongest rocket NASA has ever built. The Orion capsule carried various systems beyond low Earth orbit.
Orion has three main components: the Launch Abort System, the Crew Module, and the Service Module. The Launch Abort System ensures crew safety in emergencies. The Crew Module is where astronauts will live and work, and the Service Module supplies power, water, and oxygen. In November 2022, Orion conducted a successful flyby of the moon and returned to Earth.
Artemis 2 will follow in 2025 with a crew. This mission will mark humanity's farthest travel, approximately 450,000 kilometers from Earth. Artemis 3 will occur in 2026. It will land astronauts on the moon for the first time since Apollo. Two astronauts will spend about a week at the lunar South Pole, conducting experiments and collecting samples.
The South Pole is intriguing because it features unexplored terrain and potential resources. Scientists believe water ice may be present in permanently shadowed regions. Establishing a base camp in this location is crucial for NASA's plans.
Next, Artemis will collaborate with SpaceX on a moon lander called Starship HLS. This lander will transfer astronauts between lunar orbit and the moon’s surface. Other companies will also contribute landers and technologies.
NASA has already begun sending payloads to the moon. The Nova Sea Lander, developed by Intuitive Machines, will deliver materials for research. It is designed to land successfully, marking the first American spacecraft to do so in over 50 years.
Columbia’s technology enhances the lunar lander's performance. Omni-Heat Infinity is reflective, mirroring the concept behind space blankets. It retains heat produced by the body, keeping astronauts warm.
Future Artemis missions will create a lunar space station called Gateway. This station will orbit the moon, serving various functions, including being a communication hub and science laboratory.
Additionally, lunar resources for fuel may be used. Water could extend crew survival and be split into hydrogen and oxygen for rocket propellant. Mining rare earth metals and helium-3 is another prospect.
In the early 2030s, NASA plans to establish a habitable mobility platform at the South Pole. This will allow scientists to explore and live on the moon for extended periods. They will later construct a foundational surface habitat.
The ultimate goal is to achieve longer missions on the moon. Plans include using lunar material for 3D printing structures. This will support not just exploration but also facilitate missions to Mars and beyond.
We stand on the brink of a new era in space exploration. The Artemis missions will help us understand how to sustain life far from home. The excitement is palpable. The Space Age is revitalized. It may well inspire the next generation to engage with science and space exploration.
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Tafara Sibotshiwe
A versatile authentic writer and passionate storyteller. With a background in, Journalism, Engineering, History, Health & finance, they combine profound insight with creative flair to explore the complexities of the human experience.
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Severe Cold Grips the Country as Hunza Records −21°C: Pakistan Faces a Deep Winter Freeze
A powerful cold wave has swept across Pakistan, plunging temperatures to alarming lows and turning daily life into a test of endurance for millions. The northern region of Hunza has recorded a bone-chilling −21°C, marking one of the coldest temperatures of the season and drawing national attention to the intensity of this winter. As icy winds cut through valleys and plains alike, the country is experiencing a severe cold spell that is affecting health, travel, agriculture, and energy supplies. Hunza at the Center of the Freeze Hunza, known worldwide for its breathtaking landscapes and serene beauty, has transformed into a frozen world. At −21°C, rivers partially freeze, roads become slippery, and even routine activities turn risky. Residents of the valley, though accustomed to harsh winters, describe this cold as unusually intense. Water pipelines have frozen solid, livestock require special care, and heating resources are stretched to their limits. Despite the extreme conditions, life continues. Locals rely on traditional methods of insulation, wood-burning stoves, and community cooperation to survive the cold nights. However, the severity of the temperature has raised concerns about vulnerable groups, including the elderly, children, and those living in remote areas with limited access to fuel and medical facilities. Cold Wave Spreads Across Pakistan While Hunza sits at the epicenter of the cold, the effects are being felt nationwide. Gilgit-Baltistan and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are experiencing sub-zero temperatures, while major cities like Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi are facing unusually cold mornings and dense fog. In the plains, nighttime temperatures have dropped sharply, catching many residents off guard. The Pakistan Meteorological Department has warned that the cold wave may persist, driven by continental air systems moving southward. These systems not only lower temperatures but also increase the risk of frost, fog, and icy conditions on highways, disrupting travel and trade. Impact on Daily Life and Health Severe cold brings serious health risks, particularly for those without adequate shelter or heating. Hospitals in colder regions report an increase in patients suffering from hypothermia, respiratory infections, and flu-like illnesses. Doctors advise people to stay warm, avoid unnecessary exposure to cold, and ensure proper ventilation when using indoor heaters to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. In urban areas, gas shortages and power outages have intensified the struggle. Many households face limited gas supply during peak morning and evening hours, forcing families to rely on electric heaters or alternative fuels. This increased demand places additional pressure on the national power grid, raising the risk of load shedding. Agriculture and Livelihoods Under Threat The cold wave poses a significant threat to agriculture, particularly winter crops and orchards. Frost can damage wheat fields, vegetables, and fruit trees, potentially impacting yields and farmers’ incomes. In northern areas, livestock owners are working hard to protect animals from the cold, as freezing temperatures can lead to illness and even death among cattle and sheep. Tourism, a vital source of income for regions like Hunza, has also been affected. While some tourists are drawn by the snow-covered scenery, many trips have been canceled due to dangerous road conditions and travel advisories. Local businesses, already facing economic challenges, are feeling the strain of reduced visitor numbers. Government Response and Preparedness Authorities across Pakistan have issued cold weather alerts and advisories, urging citizens to take precautionary measures. Disaster management agencies are monitoring the situation, particularly in northern and mountainous regions where access can be cut off due to snow and ice. Emergency services have been placed on high alert, and local administrations are working to ensure the availability of fuel, food supplies, and medical assistance. However, experts stress that long-term planning is essential, as extreme weather events are becoming more frequent due to climate change. Climate Change and Extreme Winters Meteorologists and climate scientists point out that while Pakistan has always experienced cold winters, the increasing intensity and unpredictability of such cold waves may be linked to broader climate patterns. Shifts in jet streams and changing atmospheric circulation can result in extreme cold spells in regions not always prepared for them. These events highlight the need for improved infrastructure, better energy management, and stronger disaster preparedness strategies to protect vulnerable populations. Resilience in the Face of the Cold Despite the freezing temperatures, stories of resilience continue to emerge. Communities in Hunza and other cold-hit areas are supporting one another, sharing firewood, food, and shelter. Volunteers and local organizations are stepping in to help those most in need, proving once again the strength of communal bonds in times of hardship. Conclusion As severe cold grips Pakistan and Hunza records a staggering −21°C, the country faces a challenging winter marked by health risks, energy shortages, and economic strain. Yet, amid the icy conditions, resilience and solidarity shine through. This cold wave serves as a reminder of nature’s power and the importance of preparedness, cooperation, and compassion in overcoming even the harshest winters.
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