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NASA’s 2024 Plan to Return to Moon

50 years since we last left footprints on the Moon, NASA’s Artemis I was our first bold step towards getting back there and pushing us farther than we have ever been before. 

The world’s most powerful rocket and Orion spacecraft on Launch Pad 39B led the Artemis I mission to the moon in Nov 2022. This article sheds light on the Artemis Mission of NASA to return to the Moon. Read on to explore how this project pushes us to an extraordinary line to explore our Earth and solar system to a greater level. 

Return to the Moon through Artemis Programme

In 2017, NASA announced an ambitious plan to return to the moon. The Artemis programme is a series of three ongoing space missions run by NASA to return to the moon. Here is a brief overview of the Artemis Programme by NASA;

Duration: 2017–present

Launch vehicles: Space Launch System (SLS); Commercial launch vehicles

Crew modules: Lunar Gateway, Orion, Human landing system (HLS)

Launch dates:

  1. Artemis 1: Artemis 1 successfully launched on Wednesday 16 November 2022 at 1:47 am EST (6:47 am GMT)
  2. Artemis 2: no earlier than 2024 (TBC)
  3. Artemis 3: 2025

Introduction:

  1. Artemis 1 – an uncrewed test flight completed in December 2022. 
  2. Artemis 2 – a crewed flight beyond the Moon in November 2024. 
  3. Artemis 3 – a crewed flight to take the first female astronaut and the first astronaut of color on the moon.

Three Missions of the Artemis Programme 

  1. Artemis 1 

Following four delayed launch attempts due to engine breakdown and tropical storms, the Artemic 1 successfully launch from the Kennedy Space Centre on November 16, 2022. 

On day 5 of its mission (20 November), the Orion spacecraft entered the Moon’s sphere of influence, meaning the Moon became the main gravitational force acting on the craft, rather than the Earth.

With 8.8 million pounds of thrust, the Space Launch System (SLS) in Artemis 1, is NASA’s most powerful rocket. It was able to send the uncrewed Orion spacecraft beyond the Moon, 280,000 miles from Earth, farther than any human-rated spacecraft has ever flown.

After 26 days and a total distance of over a million miles, Orion returned home faster and hotter than any spacecraft has before. 

  1. Artemis 2

Artemis 2 is the second mission planned as part of NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the moon by 2024. Also known as EM-2 (Exploration Mission-2), the Artemis 2 mission will be the first crewed mission of the Orion spacecraft, and it is expected to launch in 2023.

The primary objective of Artemis 2 is to test the Orion spacecraft and the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket in a crewed mission beyond low Earth orbit. The mission will carry four astronauts who will orbit the moon for about a week, but they will not land on the moon. Instead, the mission will focus on testing the spacecraft’s capabilities and the crew’s ability to work together during a long-duration mission.

In addition to testing the spacecraft and crew, the Artemis 2 mission will also carry scientific instruments that will study the moon and its environment. These instruments will include cameras, spectrometers, and other sensors that will collect data on the moon’s surface, atmosphere, and magnetic field.

  1. Artemis 3

Like the uncrewed Artemis 1 and crewed Artemis 2, this mission aims to launch the gigantic Space Launch System (SLS) mega rocket and Orion spacecraft. For landing on the moon, the crew will use SpaceX’s Starship, a system that the California company is developing right now for crewed human missions.

The crew for Artemis 3 has not yet been named and the 2025 launch date is rather tentative. 

NASA’s readiness for Artemis 3 depends on three key things: the success of previous missions, its development of new spacesuits, and the availability of an unflown human landing system or HLS (SpaceX’s Starship).

Objectives of the Artemis Programme 

Artemis Programme is a collection of three missions that are the continuation of NASA’s previous lunar missions, which last took place in 1972 with the Apollo 17 mission. The Artemis program has several key objectives, including:

  • Establishing Human Presence on Moon

NASA plans to set up a base camp on the moon that will serve as a launching point for future missions to Mars and beyond.

  • Conducting Scientific Experiments 

The Artemis program will allow NASA to conduct scientific experiments and research on the lunar surface. The data collected from these experiments will help scientists better understand the moon’s geology, environment, and history.

  • New Tech Development 

The Artemis program will also help NASA develop new technologies that will be necessary for future space exploration, such as advanced propulsion systems and life support systems.

  • International Cooperation 

The Artemis program is not just limited to the United States. NASA has partnered with several other countries, including Canada, Japan, and Europe, to share resources and knowledge to make the mission a success.

Risk and Challenges 

NASA’s Artemis Program is an ambitious plan to send humans back to the moon by 2024. However, there are several risks and challenges associated with this mission that need to be addressed before the program can be considered successful. Here are some of the major risks and challenges involved in NASA’s 2024 return to the moon mission:

  • Technical Challenges

One of the biggest challenges for the Artemis program is developing the necessary technology to make the mission successful. This includes developing a new rocket, the Space Launch System (SLS), and the Orion spacecraft, which will carry the crew to the moon. There is also a need to develop new technologies for landing and surface operations on the moon.

  • Cost

The Artemis program is a very expensive venture, and there are concerns about the program’s budget. NASA has estimated that the cost of the program could be around $28 billion, but some experts believe that the actual cost could be much higher. This could result in delays or even cancellation of the program.

  • Safety

Human spaceflight is inherently risky, and the Artemis program is no exception. There are several potential hazards that the crew could face, including radiation exposure, microgravity, and the risks associated with landing and operating on the moon’s surface.

  • Schedule Challenges

The Artemis program has a very tight timeline, with NASA aiming to land astronauts on the moon by 2024. This means that there is very little room for error or delays, and any technical issues or unexpected events could cause significant setbacks.

  • Sustainability

A key goal of the Artemis program is to establish a sustainable presence on the moon, which will require developing technologies for resource utilization, energy production, and waste management. This presents significant technical and logistical challenges that need to be overcome.

Final Words

The Artemis program is a significant milestone in NASA’s history and will provide valuable information for future missions to the moon and beyond. Overall, the Artemis Program mission is an important milestone in NASA’s plans to explore and utilize the resources of the Moon. 

The mission will require the development of new technologies, the coordination of international partnerships, and the expertise of a highly skilled team of scientists and engineers. If successful, the mission will pave the way for future missions to the Moon and beyond.

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Space exploration has captivated the imagination of humans for centuries. It represents our innate desire to explore the unknown and discover what lies beyond our planet. At the heart of this ambition lies rocket technology, the essential tool that enables us to reach the stars. Rockets have revolutionized space exploration and played a vital role in humanity’s understanding of the universe.

The importance of rocket technology in space exploration cannot be overstated. Rockets are the primary means of propelling spacecraft into space, allowing us to conduct various missions, including satellite deployment, planetary exploration, and manned missions to the moon and beyond. Without rockets, our ability to explore the cosmos and gain a deeper understanding of the universe would be severely limited. This blog explains the most innovative launch of all time in the history of Space Craft – the first ever 3D space rocket by NASA. 

NASA’s Innovative Approach to 3D Printing

As space exploration evolves, so does the need for innovative technologies to overcome challenges and push the boundaries of what is possible. One such innovation that has gained significant attention is 3D printing, and NASA has been at the forefront of utilizing this technology in the field of space exploration.

3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a process of creating three-dimensional objects by layering material, typically in the form of a filament or powder, based on a digital design. It offers several advantages over traditional manufacturing methods, making it a game-changer for space missions.

NASA has embraced 3D printing for various applications in space. One of the notable achievements is the production of rocket components using 3D printing techniques. This approach has proven to be cost-effective and time-efficient, as it reduces the need for complex manufacturing processes and eliminates the requirement for extensive assembly of multiple parts. By 3D printing rocket components, NASA has been able to streamline the production process, reduce costs, and accelerate the development of new space vehicles.

Introducing the 3D Terran 1 Space Rocket – Relativity Space

The NASA 3D Terran 1 Space Rocket is an innovative and cutting-edge launch vehicle developed by Relativity Space, a private aerospace company. 

Relativity Space

Relativity Space was founded in 2015 with the vision of revolutionizing the way rockets are built and launched. The 3D Terran 1 is a prime example of its commitment to advancing space exploration through groundbreaking technology.

Relativity Space, in addition to Terran 1, is actively developing Terran R, a groundbreaking fully reusable launch vehicle. Terran R is entirely 3D-printed and has the impressive capability of launching up to 20 tons to low Earth orbit. This remarkable rocket aims to offer customers a reliable “point-to-point space freighter” for missions between Earth, Moon, and Mars. Starting in 2024, Terran R will take off from Cape Canaveral, promising a new era in space transportation.

The introduction of 3D-printed rockets like Terran 1 and the future prospects of Terran R holds immense potential for the space industry. These advancements not only contribute to enhanced efficiency and cost-effectiveness but also pave the way for more ambitious missions and exploration beyond Earth’s orbit. The integration of 3D printing technology marks an exciting milestone in space launch capabilities and ushers in a new era of possibilities for the future.

 

3D Terran 1 Space Rocket

The Terran 1 rocket, standing at an impressive 110 feet tall and 7.5 feet wide, is set to become the largest 3D-printed object to attempt orbital flight. This innovative rocket boasts a software-driven architecture that can adapt to the evolving needs of satellite customers, while also providing an agile and cost-effective launch service.

Although the first flight of Terran 1 won’t carry any payloads, NASA has already partnered with Relativity Space for a future launch. Under the Venture-Class Acquisition of Dedicated and Rideshare (VADR) missions, NASA aims to create new opportunities for science and technology payloads while fostering the growth of the commercial launch market in the United States.

The Launch of 3D Terran 1 Space Rocket

Relativity Space achieved a significant milestone on Wednesday, March 24, 2023, with the successful launch of its 3D-printed rocket. Named “GLHF” (Good Luck Have Fun), it took off from launch complex 16 at Cape Canaveral. The Terran 1 rocket is notably the largest 3D-printed object ever launched into space.

After two previously failed attempts in the past week, GLHF finally took flight from the launch pad and accomplished two important objectives during its brief journey:

  • Max-Q: This refers to the point of maximum aerodynamic pressure experienced by the rocket’s body. GLHF safely maneuvered through this critical phase of the launch.
  • Main engine shut off: The main engine burn was completed successfully, marking a significant milestone in the rocket’s ascent.

However, the rocket encountered an issue with its secondary rocket engine, resulting in the failure to reach orbit. The exact cause of this engine failure has not been disclosed as of the time of this report. Without the ignition of the secondary engine, the rocket lacked the necessary power to attain orbit.

Additive Manufacturing of the 3D Terran 1 Rocket

Additive manufacturing is a revolutionary approach that enables the creation of complex and intricate parts by adding material layer by layer.

In the context of rocket manufacturing, additive manufacturing has the potential to transform the industry by streamlining the production process. 3D printing allows for the creation of highly intricate components that are difficult or impossible to produce using traditional methods. By building parts layer by layer, additive manufacturing eliminates the need for many of the time-consuming steps involved in conventional manufacturing.

One of the key advantages of additive manufacturing is its ability to reduce material waste significantly. Unlike traditional methods that require the removal of excess material, 3D printing adds material only where it is needed, resulting in minimal waste generation. This not only reduces costs but also contributes to a more sustainable manufacturing process.

Relativity Space’s Terran 1 rocket is a prime example of the application of additive manufacturing in rocket technology. Relativity Space utilizes large-scale 3D printers to produce the majority of the rocket’s components. This approach allows for rapid production, reduced costs, and the flexibility to iterate and improve designs quickly.

Final Words

NASA’s adoption of 3D printing in space exploration has opened up new possibilities for innovation and efficiency. This technology has enabled the production of rocket components, lightweight structures, and potential habitats, revolutionizing the way we approach space missions. As we continue to explore the vastness of space, 3D printing will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping the future of space exploration.

 

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Expanding our horizon to unleash the secrets of cosmic origin to discover life beyond Earth

Project Ref.: 101087032.

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the EU or the EU Research Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

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