Artemis FAQ

Yes, Artemis missions will explore regions on the Moon that have not been visited by previous missions, with a focus on the lunar South Pole region. This region offers unique scientific value, potential resources, and access to permanently shadowed areas that may contain water ice and other volatiles.

The Artemis program emphasizes public engagement and outreach. NASA aims to inspire and involve the public through educational initiatives, public events, media coverage, social media, and citizen science projects. The program seeks to share the excitement of space exploration, encourage STEM education, and provide opportunities for the public to participate and learn about the scientific and technological advancements of Artemis.

Yes, the Artemis program includes plans for the establishment of a lunar telecommunications infrastructure. This infrastructure will provide reliable and high-bandwidth communication links between the Moon, Earth, and other assets, supporting real-time data transmission, video communication, and commanding of lunar missions and surface operations.

Yes, Artemis missions will include studies of the lunar exosphere, which is the thin atmosphere-like layer of gas surrounding the Moon. Scientists aim to understand its composition, behavior, and interaction with the solar wind and other space environment factors. This research provides insights into the Moon’s geology, its volatile distribution, and its role in space weather phenomena.

Yes, the Artemis program has plans for the establishment of a lunar geophysical network. This network would include seismometers, heat flow probes, and other instruments placed on the lunar surface to study the Moon’s interior structure, thermal properties, and geophysical activity. By analyzing seismic data and other measurements, scientists can gain insights into the Moon’s composition and evolution.

The deployment of telescopes on the lunar far side is an area of interest for future exploration within the Artemis program. The far side of the Moon offers unique advantages, such as shielding from radio interference, making it an excellent location for radio astronomy and observations in frequencies that are not possible from Earth.

The health and well-being of astronauts are paramount in Artemis missions. The program includes plans for comprehensive medical support, including telemedicine capabilities, advanced medical monitoring, and diagnostic tools. Astronauts will receive pre-flight and in-flight medical assessments, and protocols will be in place to address potential medical issues and emergencies during the missions.

During long-duration Artemis missions, crew rotation will be necessary to ensure the well-being and productivity of astronauts. Plans include the use of crewed missions to the Gateway as a transit point, allowing for crew exchange between Earth and the lunar vicinity. Additionally, future missions may explore the feasibility of utilizing resupply and crew transportation services provided by commercial space companies.

Yes, the Artemis program acknowledges the importance of self-sustainability in long-duration lunar missions. As part of this, the program includes the development of technologies for lunar agriculture and food production. This involves research into optimized growth systems, use of lunar regolith as a growth medium, and advanced plant cultivation techniques to enable astronauts to produce their own food on the Moon.

Ensuring the ethical use of lunar resources is an important consideration in the Artemis program. While specific plans and guidelines are still being developed, the program aims to establish frameworks that address equitable resource utilization, environmental protection, and compliance with international space law. These frameworks will ensure responsible and sustainable practices in the utilization of lunar resources.

The Lunar Gateway will support a wide range of scientific experiments. These may include research in astrophysics, heliophysics, planetary science, biology, chemistry, and human physiology. The unique vantage point of the Gateway in lunar orbit allows for observations and investigations that complement those conducted on the lunar surface and contribute to our understanding of the Moon and the broader universe.

While the International Space Station (ISS) is a separate program from Artemis, it has played a significant role in the development of technologies and capabilities that will be used in Artemis missions. Lessons learned from the ISS, such as long-duration human spaceflight, life support systems, and spacewalk procedures, contribute to the Artemis program’s readiness for lunar exploration.

Yes, Artemis missions may involve the deployment of seismometers on the lunar surface to study lunar seismic activity. These instruments can provide valuable data on moonquakes, impact events, and the internal structure of the Moon, contributing to our understanding of lunar geology and the Moon’s evolution.

The long-term sustainability of the Artemis program is a priority. NASA and its international partners are committed to developing technologies and practices that minimize the program’s environmental impact, promote resource utilization and recycling, ensure the responsible use of space resources, and foster international cooperation and coordination for a sustainable and enduring human presence on the Moon.

Yes, the Artemis program aims to explore the potential for commercial mining of lunar resources. By studying and developing technologies for resource extraction and utilization, the program seeks to enable a sustainable and economically viable approach to accessing and utilizing lunar resources, which could include mining operations by commercial entities.

Yes, Artemis missions will include experiments to study the effects of low gravity on biological systems. This research can provide insights into the impact of microgravity on human health, plant growth, animal behavior, and other biological processes, contributing to our understanding of the potential for long-duration space travel and future human settlements on the Moon or other destinations.

Artemis missions may involve the deployment of scientific payloads to study space weather and its effects on the lunar environment. By monitoring space weather phenomena such as solar flares, coronal mass ejections, and cosmic rays, scientists can gain insights into the dynamic interactions between the Sun, the Moon, and the space environment.

Yes, the Artemis program provides opportunities for the public to engage in citizen science projects. These projects may involve tasks such as image analysis, data collection, or scientific observations, allowing individuals to contribute to the scientific objectives of the program and fostering public participation and interest in space exploration.

Yes, the Artemis program includes the development of technologies for in-space manufacturing and construction. This involves researching and testing additive manufacturing techniques, robotic assembly systems, and construction methods to enable the production of structures and infrastructure on the Moon using local resources.

Preserving the historical sites of the Apollo missions is a priority for the Artemis program. Specific measures will be taken to ensure the protection and integrity of these sites, including establishing exclusion zones to prevent accidental damage, implementing guidelines for responsible exploration, and incorporating historical site preservation considerations into mission planning and operations.

Yes, the Artemis program has the potential to contribute to the development of technologies for sustainable living on Earth. The innovations and advancements in areas such as life support systems, resource utilization, renewable energy, and habitat design can have applications and benefits beyond space exploration, addressing challenges related to sustainability and environmental stewardship on our home planet.

While the primary focus of the Artemis program is on government-led initiatives and international partnerships, there may be opportunities for collaboration with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in areas such as education, public outreach, scientific research, and technology development. The involvement of NGOs can contribute to the program’s goals and enhance public engagement and participation.

Yes, Artemis missions will contribute to our understanding of the Moon’s magnetic field. The deployment of scientific instruments and conducting experiments on the lunar surface will provide valuable data to study the Moon’s magnetic field and its interaction with the solar wind, enhancing our knowledge of lunar geophysics and planetary magnetic fields in general.

Yes, establishing a communication infrastructure between the Moon and Earth is an integral part of the Artemis program. This includes the development of communication systems, networks, and protocols to ensure reliable and efficient communication between astronauts, lunar surface missions, the Lunar Gateway, and mission control centers on Earth.

The Artemis program has several anticipated benefits for Earth. It drives technological advancements that can be applied to various industries, stimulates economic growth through commercial opportunities, inspires and educates the public, advances our scientific understanding of the Moon and the solar system, and fosters international collaboration and cooperation in space exploration.

The Artemis program does not currently include specific plans for the establishment of a dedicated lunar observatory. However, the Moon’s surface can provide a unique vantage point for certain astronomical observations, and future missions may explore the possibility of deploying instruments or telescopes for specific research purposes.

Yes, the Artemis program involves the testing and development of new propulsion technologies for deep space exploration. This includes advancements in electric propulsion, ion propulsion, and other innovative propulsion systems to enable more efficient and cost-effective missions to the Moon and beyond.

Lunar dust, also known as regolith, is a challenge in lunar exploration. The Artemis program addresses this challenge by developing technologies to mitigate the effects of lunar dust on equipment and spacesuits, implementing dust-resistant designs, and conducting research on the behavior and potential hazards associated with lunar dust exposure for astronauts and equipment.

Yes, the Artemis program will involve the deployment of scientific instruments on the lunar surface. These instruments will be used to conduct various experiments, collect data on the Moon’s environment, analyze lunar samples, study the lunar geology, and investigate the potential for resource utilization and future exploration activities.

Yes, the Artemis program aims to involve international astronauts in crewed missions to the Moon. International collaboration is a key aspect of the program, and NASA is working with partner countries to provide opportunities for their astronauts to participate in Artemis missions, fostering global cooperation and shared exploration goals.

The safety of astronauts is of utmost importance in the Artemis program. NASA and its partners implement rigorous safety protocols, conduct extensive risk assessments, and continuously improve technologies and systems to mitigate risks. This includes measures such as radiation shielding, medical monitoring, emergency response plans, and thorough astronaut training and preparation.

Yes, establishing a communication network on the Moon is part of the Artemis program’s objectives. This network would provide reliable communication links between lunar surface missions, the Lunar Gateway, Earth, and other assets, enabling real-time data transmission and facilitating coordination and collaboration.

Yes, the Artemis program aims to involve the private sector in the utilization of lunar resources. This includes potential partnerships and agreements for commercial entities to extract and utilize resources such as water ice, minerals, and volatiles on the Moon, opening up opportunities for commercial ventures and economic development.

Establishing a permanent human presence on the Moon is one of the long-term goals of the Artemis program. This would involve the development of sustainable infrastructure, habitation systems, and resource utilization capabilities to support continuous human presence and scientific exploration on the lunar surface.

The projected cost of the Artemis program is continually evolving as the program progresses and undergoes budgetary reviews. The exact cost depends on various factors, including the scope of missions, development of technologies, international collaboration, and the timeline for achieving program goals.

Yes, the Artemis program has plans to involve private citizens, including astronauts from commercial space companies and potentially private individuals, in crewed missions to the Moon. This opens up opportunities for commercial space tourism and expanded access to space for non-government entities.

The Artemis program plays a significant role in inspiring future generations by showcasing the possibilities of human exploration and pushing the boundaries of scientific discovery. It fosters interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields and drives innovation in various areas of research and technology development.

Yes, the Artemis program is aligned with international space treaties and agreements, including the Outer Space Treaty. NASA and its partners are committed to conducting peaceful and responsible exploration, preserving the historic and scientific value of lunar sites, and promoting international cooperation and coordination in space activities.

The Artemis program does not currently include plans for deploying telescopes on the lunar surface. However, the Moon’s unique environment, with its lack of atmosphere and radio interference, makes it an ideal location for future astronomical observatories and radio telescopes.

Artemis missions can contribute to our understanding of the potential for life on other celestial bodies by studying the Moon’s geology, investigating the presence of water ice and organic compounds, and exploring environments that may be analogous to those on other planets or moons.

Yes, the Artemis program aims to develop sustainable power sources on the Moon, such as solar power and possibly even nuclear power. These power sources would provide the energy needed for human habitats, scientific instruments, and resource utilization activities.

The Artemis program includes plans for lunar sample return missions. By collecting and returning samples from different locations on the Moon, scientists can study the Moon’s history, its geology, and potentially gain insights into the early solar system and the origins of Earth and life.

Yes, establishing a lunar research outpost or base is a long-term goal of the Artemis program. Such an outpost would enable longer-duration stays, more extensive scientific research, and serve as a hub for future exploration activities and the utilization of lunar resources.

Living and working on the Moon pose several challenges, including the harsh lunar environment with extreme temperature variations, the absence of a breathable atmosphere, the potential for micrometeoroid impacts, the need for reliable life support systems, and the psychological impact of long-duration isolation. These challenges require innovative solutions and careful planning.

International cooperation is a crucial aspect of the Artemis program. NASA is collaborating with international partners, including space agencies, industry partners, and academia, to share expertise, resources, and costs, and to foster a global approach to lunar exploration and utilization.

The Artemis Generation refers to the new generation of astronauts, scientists, engineers, and space enthusiasts who will be involved in the Artemis program. They will play a vital role in returning humans to the Moon and shaping the future of space exploration.

The Artemis program provides various educational opportunities, including internships, scholarships, and educational resources for students and educators. NASA aims to inspire and engage the next generation of scientists and engineers, fostering interest in space exploration and STEM fields.

The Artemis program opens up commercial opportunities in areas such as transportation services, lunar lander development, resource extraction and utilization, and the provision of technologies and services to support crewed missions. Commercial companies can contribute to and benefit from the Artemis program.

Robotics plays a crucial role in the Artemis program, assisting astronauts in various tasks and performing operations that are challenging or hazardous for humans. Robotic systems will be used for tasks such as lunar surface exploration, resource prospecting, and the assembly and maintenance of infrastructure on the Moon.

Radiation is a significant challenge for human exploration on the Moon. The Artemis program addresses this challenge by developing shielding technologies, studying radiation effects on astronauts, and utilizing data from radiation sensors to monitor and manage astronaut exposure during missions.

The utilization of lunar caves or lava tubes is an area of interest for future exploration within the Artemis program. These natural structures could provide shelter, protection from radiation, and access to valuable resources, and their exploration and utilization are subjects of ongoing research and planning.

Yes, sustainability and environmental protection are key considerations for the Artemis program. NASA and its international partners aim to minimize the impact of human activities on the Moon and adhere to guidelines that promote responsible and sustainable exploration, including the preservation of important scientific sites and the mitigation of potential contamination.

Yes, Artemis missions will contribute to our understanding of the Moon’s formation and evolution. By studying the lunar geology, conducting experiments, and analyzing samples, scientists can gain insights into the Moon’s history, its relationship with Earth, and the processes that shaped the lunar surface.

Artemis missions will conduct various experiments on the lunar surface, including testing new technologies, studying the effects of the lunar environment on materials and equipment, investigating the behavior of dust and regolith, and conducting scientific research in fields such as geology, astrophysics, and biology.

The public can stay updated on the progress of the Artemis program through various channels, including NASA’s official website, social media accounts, press releases, and public events. NASA often shares mission updates, images, videos, and educational resources to engage and inform the public about the program.

The Apollo program, conducted in the 1960s and 1970s, focused on landing astronauts on the Moon for short-duration missions. The Artemis program, on the other hand, aims to establish a sustainable presence on the Moon, with long-duration missions, international collaboration, and a focus on scientific research and resource utilization.

After the initial crewed landing, the Artemis program will continue with subsequent missions, aiming to establish a sustained presence on the Moon. This includes conducting more advanced scientific research, expanding infrastructure, and preparing for future missions to Mars and beyond.

Water ice on the Moon is significant because it can potentially be used as a source of drinking water, breathable oxygen, and hydrogen for rocket propellant. It could reduce the need for resupply missions and enable more sustainable exploration and habitation on the Moon.

The Artemis program, like any space exploration endeavor, carries risks. These include technical challenges, radiation exposure, the harsh lunar environment, astronaut health and safety, and the complexities of international collaboration. NASA and its partners prioritize safety and conduct thorough risk assessments to mitigate these challenges.

In-situ resource utilization (ISRU) is the practice of using resources available at a destination, such as the Moon, to sustain human activities. Artemis missions will focus on studying and developing ISRU technologies to extract resources like water ice and convert them into usable materials, such as oxygen and propellant.

No, the Lunar Gateway will not have artificial gravity. It will operate in microgravity, similar to the International Space Station, providing a unique platform for studying the effects of long-duration spaceflight on the human body and conducting experiments in a weightless environment.

The Artemis Base Camp is a concept for a sustainable lunar outpost on the Moon’s surface. It envisions a long-term habitation and research facility that would support extended stays by astronauts and serve as a hub for scientific exploration and resource utilization.

The Artemis program aims to develop and advance various technologies, including lunar landers, space suits, life support systems, in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) technologies, navigation and communication systems, and robotics for lunar surface operations.

The Lunar Gateway will support Artemis missions by providing a staging point for crewed missions to the lunar surface. It will house living quarters, laboratories, and docking ports for spacecraft, enabling astronauts to prepare for surface expeditions and facilitating the transfer of cargo and resources between Earth and the Moon.

The Lunar Gateway will support a wide range of scientific research, including studying the Moon’s environment, conducting experiments in microgravity, observing deep space phenomena, and gathering data for future human exploration missions.

The Lunar Gateway will serve multiple purposes, including providing a rendezvous point for crewed missions to the Moon, supporting scientific research and experiments, serving as a communication relay, and facilitating the development of sustainable lunar exploration capabilities.

The Lunar Gateway is a small space station that will orbit the Moon as part of the Artemis program. It will serve as a staging point for lunar surface missions and a platform for scientific research and experiments.

The Lunar Gateway will be built incrementally using a modular approach. Various components will be launched and assembled in space, similar to the International Space Station (ISS”). This approach allows for flexibility in design and enables international collaboration in the construction and utilization of the Gateway.”

Commercial companies play a significant role in the Artemis program by developing transportation systems, lunar landers, and other technologies. They work in partnership with NASA to enable crewed missions to the Moon.

Yes, Artemis is considered a precursor to future crewed missions to Mars. By returning to the Moon and developing technologies for sustainable exploration, NASA aims to gain valuable experience and knowledge for future Mars missions.

Yes, the Artemis program encourages international collaboration and participation. Multiple countries, including those who have signed the Artemis Accords, are partnering with NASA to contribute to the program.

Artemis missions will study resources such as water ice, which can potentially be used for life support, fuel, and other purposes. They will also investigate other materials, minerals, and volatiles present on the Moon.

As of now, several countries have signed the Artemis Accords, including the United States, Australia, Canada, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom.

Yes, during Artemis missions, astronauts will conduct Extravehicular Activities (EVAs) or spacewalks on the lunar surface to perform tasks such as deploying scientific instruments, collecting samples, and testing equipment.

The exact duration of astronaut stays on the Moon will depend on mission objectives and capabilities. Initially, Artemis missions are expected to have a duration of several days to weeks.

Artemis III is the mission planned to land astronauts on the lunar surface, which will be the first crewed landing since the Apollo era. It is expected to occur in the mid-2020s.

Yes, the goal of the Artemis program is to have astronauts walk on the Moon’s surface, conduct experiments, and collect samples for scientific research.

The Human Landing System (HLS) is a spacecraft designed to transport astronauts from the Gateway lunar outpost to the lunar surface and back. It will enable crewed landings on the Moon as part of the Artemis program.

Artemis I and Artemis II are the initial missions of the Artemis program. Artemis I will be an uncrewed test flight of the SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft, while Artemis II will be a crewed mission around the Moon without landing.

The Orion spacecraft is a crewed vehicle designed to transport astronauts to and from destinations beyond Earth orbit, including the Moon. It will serve as the primary crew vehicle for the Artemis missions.

The Gateway lunar outpost is a small space station that will orbit the Moon and serve as a staging point for lunar surface missions. It will provide living quarters, laboratory facilities, and docking ports for visiting spacecraft.

Artemis will provide valuable experience and knowledge in long-duration space travel, resource utilization, and human habitation that can be applied to future missions to Mars and other destinations.

The Space Launch System (SLS) rocket is a powerful launch vehicle developed by NASA to carry astronauts and cargo to the Moon, Mars, and other deep space destinations.

Artemis missions will pursue various scientific objectives, including studying the Moon’s geology, searching for resources, understanding lunar dust and radiation, and conducting experiments in a lunar environment.

The Artemis missions will target the lunar South Pole region, which is of particular interest due to its potential for resources such as water ice and its unique lighting conditions.

Yes, NASA has partnered with commercial space companies, including SpaceX, to provide transportation services and develop lunar landing systems for the Artemis missions.

The main components of the Artemis program include the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, the Orion spacecraft, the Gateway lunar outpost, and the Human Landing System (HLS).

The name ‘Artemis’ refers to the Greek goddess of the Moon and twin sister of Apollo. It symbolizes the goal of returning humans to the Moon and exploring new frontiers in space.

Artemis missions will be crewed, with astronauts traveling to the Moon and conducting scientific research and exploration activities on the lunar surface.

The Artemis program aims to establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon, conduct scientific research, and pave the way for future missions to Mars and beyond.

No, the Apollo missions in the 1960s and 1970s were the first times humans landed on the Moon. Artemis will mark the return of astronauts to the lunar surface after more than four decades.

The Artemis program aims to land astronauts on the Moon by 2024, with a series of missions planned leading up to that goal.

The Artemis program is led by NASA, with collaboration from international partners, including commercial space companies and other countries.

Artemis is a lunar exploration program led by NASA with the goal of landing astronauts on the Moon and establishing a sustainable human presence there.