In 2017, the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), along with partner space agencies around the world, created Artemis, a lunar exploration program. Named after the Greek goddess of the Moon and twin sister to Apollo—the namesake of the series of NASA missions that first put astronauts on the Moon in 1969—the Artemis missions will also lay the groundwork for eventually sending humans to Mars. With the new Space Launch System rockets and Orion spacecraft developed for Artemis, NASA plans on studying the Moon, establishing U.S. leadership in deep-space exploration, expanding U.S. commercial partnerships, and inspiring a new generation to pursue science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) careers, among other goals. The first Artemis mission, designated Artemis I, launched November 16, 2022 after a series of weather delays postponed its original late-August launch date. Plans call for continued launches over the next several years. Artemis I served as an uncrewed demonstration of the complete mission profile including launch, lunar orbit, re-entry in Earth’s atmosphere, descent, oceanic splashdown, and recovery. The mission concluded on December 11, 2022, after 25 days in space. See also: Astronautical engineering; Astronautics; Mars; Moon; Space flight

The SLS Block 1 rocket for Artemis I lifting off from a launch pad at the Kennedy Space Center on November 16th, 2022. (Credit: NASA/Bill Ingalis)

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Three major pieces of technology supporting the Artemis program include the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle, and Gateway Program. The SLS is a rocket developed especially for the Artemis missions. Across takeoff and ascension, the SLS Block 1 configuration, which was used for Artemis I and will be used for the Artemis II and III missions, provides 15% more thrust than the Saturn V rocket used during the Apollo missions. SLS is accordingly regarded as the most powerful rocket in the world. The Block 1 configuration features two stages. The first—the core stage—is used for takeoff, and the second—the Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (ICPS)—positions the Orion spacecraft with the proper altitude and velocity for a safe return trip to Earth. One of the main goals of the Artemis I mission is to test how SLS works in conjunction with the Orion spacecraft and provide a chance for any necessary calibration. A second configuration, Block 1B, includes a third stage to allow for more cargo and equipment to be sent to the Moon and beyond. Block 1B is planned to be used with Artemis missions starting with Artemis IV, and there are plans for an even more powerful Block 2 configuration. See also: Rocket; Rocket propulsion; Rocket staging

The Orion spacecraft is the vehicle which will house astronauts on their trips around the Moon or to a proposed Gateway space station. Another main goal of the uncrewed Artemis I mission is to test vital systems on board Orion to ensure safe transport of astronauts starting with Artemis II. See also: Space navigation and guidance; Spacecraft structure

The Gateway Program calls for placing a new, small, human-tended space station in orbit around the Moon. Gateway would support sustained human presence on the Moon and the station itself by providing supplies and science instruments to Artemis crew members as well as by serving as a stop for astronauts on their way down to the lunar surface. According to this mission configuration, Orion would first dock at Gateway, where astronauts would transfer to the Human Landing System (HLS) vehicle to continue on to the Moon. The Habitation and Logistics Outpost (HALO) on Gateway would act as a command center for missions on the surface, as well as distribute power across Gateway, host scientific investigations, and provide docking ports for spacecraft, including Orion. The Power and Propulsion Element (PPE) would provide power, communications, and flight control of the station. HALO and PPE are planned to launch together as the first modules of Gateway no earlier than November of 2024. See also: Satellite (spacecraft); Space communications; Space power system

Three scientific instruments are slated to take data at Gateway. The Heliophysics Environmental and Radiation Measurement Suite (HERMES) and European Radiation Sensors Array (ERSA) are slated to orbit alongside Gateway and collect data on space weather and particles emitted by the Sun, while the Internal Dosimeter Array (IDA) will reside inside of HALO and study the radiation shielding provided by HALO. These instruments, along with many of the parts of HALO, are a product of cooperation between NASA and its international Artemis partners, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Canadian Space Agency (CSA), and European Space Agency (ESA). See also: Cosmic ray; Radiation shielding; Solar radiation