Program Artemis is a NASA-led initiative focused on returning humans to the Moon and establishing a sustainable presence there as a stepping stone for future missions to Mars. The program was officially launched in 2019 and named after Artemis, the twin sister of Apollo in Greek mythology, reflecting its connection to the Apollo lunar missions of the 1960s and 1970s.
Return humans to the moon
- The program aims to land the first woman and the next man on the Moon by using advanced technologies and systems.
- The initial target is the lunar South Pole, a region rich in water ice, which could be crucial for future lunar operations.
Establish a sustainable lunar presence
- Develop infrastructure to support long-term exploration and scientific research on the Moon.
- Build and operate the Lunar Gateway, a small space station orbiting the Moon, serving as a hub for lunar missions and a staging point for future deep-space exploration.
Advance technology and science
- Conduct groundbreaking scientific research on the Moon to learn more about its resources, geology, and the origins of the solar system.
- Develop and test technologies needed for deep-space exploration, including Mars missions.
The Artemis program represents a new era of lunar exploration, combining human ingenuity with cutting-edge technology to pave the way for humanity's future in deep space.
