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Artemis II: Humans To See Unseen Moon Features
21 Feb
Summary
- Artemis II will explore the moon's far side, unseen by humans.
- The mission aims to answer questions about the moon's origin and evolution.
- New samples could reveal secrets about Earth's early history and water.
NASA's Artemis II mission is poised to explore the moon's far side, a region never before observed directly by astronauts. This 10-day journey represents humanity's return to lunar space after a 50-year hiatus and is expected to launch as soon as March. The mission seeks to uncover secrets about the moon's formation and its evolutionary path.
Crucial samples gathered during the Apollo missions provided foundational knowledge, including the discovery of water in lunar rocks. However, these samples were primarily from the near side. Future Artemis missions aim to explore diverse lunar regions, potentially revealing why the near and far sides differ and the extent of lunar water.
Studying the moon offers insights into Earth's early history, potentially confirming theories about its formation from a giant impact. Scientists view the moon as an extension of Earth, with its study vital for understanding planetary evolution. The Artemis program aims to build a comprehensive picture of the moon, paving the way for future Mars exploration.
