The year 2024 is set to be a significant one for the world of space exploration. According to recent reports, NASA has announced plans to send the first woman and the next man to the moon by 2024.
This ambitious mission, known as Artemis, aims to establish a sustainable presence on the moon and pave the way for future missions to Mars. It will also mark the first time humans have set foot on the lunar surface since the Apollo 17 mission in 1972.
The Artemis program was initially scheduled for 2028, but in March 2019, Vice President Mike Pence directed NASA to accelerate the timeline and land astronauts on the moon within the next five years. This decision was made in order to demonstrate American leadership in space and to inspire the next generation of space explorers.
The mission will involve the use of NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft, which are currently in development. The SLS will be the most powerful rocket ever built, capable of carrying astronauts and cargo to the moon and beyond.
In addition to sending humans to the moon, the Artemis program also aims to establish a sustainable presence on the lunar surface. This will involve building a lunar outpost, conducting scientific experiments, and testing new technologies that will be crucial for future missions to Mars.
The selection of the first woman to walk on the moon is a significant milestone for gender equality in space exploration. NASA has not yet announced who the lucky astronaut will be, but the agency has confirmed that she will be chosen from the current pool of 12 active female astronauts.
The Artemis program has received bipartisan support from Congress, with both Democrats and Republicans recognizing the importance of this mission. It is also expected to have a positive impact on the economy, creating jobs and driving innovation in the space industry.
As we look towards the future of space exploration, the Artemis program represents a major step forward in our understanding of the universe and our place in it. With the first woman and the next man set to land on the moon in 2024, the world eagerly awaits the next chapter in our journey to the stars.
