NASA is taking a decisive step towards the Artemis 3 mission which plans the return of humans to the lunar surface. Recently, the agency refined its list of nine potential landing sites, all positioned near the South Pole.
Landing sites selected for the Artemis 3 mission
THE nine sites pre-selected by NASA stand out for their geological diversity and their potential to reveal new information about the Moon and our Solar System. These locations were also chosen for their proximity to regions that have not never been exposed to sunlight. This is no coincidence. These areas could indeed contain layers of ice, preserved for billions of years, likely to provide resources for future missions.
Although NASA has not yet released full details regarding the shortlisted sites, some of them include notable craters such as:
- Shackleton Crater Impact : this crater is particularly interesting for its permanent shadow and the possibility of ice in its bottom. Studies show that it could be a site rich in resources, both for science and for supporting human missions.
- The lunar south pole region : this area encompasses several craters and high plateaus which present a mixture of old and young terrain. This could allow scientists to conduct stratigraphic analyzes to better understand the geological evolution of the Moon.
- The edges of craters from recent impacts : These sites offer the opportunity to study deeper materials that have been exposed by impacts, which would provide insights into the underlying geological layers.
Technical challenges and uncertainties
Initially planned for 2024, then 2025, the Artemis 3 mission will probably not see the light of day before at least 2026. Several challenges explain this delay. First of all, the development of the central element of this mission, the Starship Human Landing System (HLS) from SpaceX, is taking longer than expected. As a reminder, this vehicle must land the astronauts on site, serve as a habitat for a week, then take off from the lunar surface with its crew on board.
SpaceX recently made significant progress in the development of its space vehicle by successfully recovering the first stage of the Super Heavy rocket. However, several crucial steps remain to be taken before sending astronauts to the Moon can be considered. Among these steps, the company will have to carry out a flight into Earth orbit to demonstrate its ability to refueling the Starship directly in space. This operation is essential to guarantee the viability of lunar missions. In addition, SpaceX will also have to carry out a empty landing of its vehicle on the lunar surfacea decisive step for the validation of its space exploration capabilities.
In addition to the challenges associated with the development of Starship HLS, NASA faces uncertainties regarding the SLS rocketdesigned to transport astronauts to the Moon. Recent reports indicate that Boeing, one of the main contractors for the SLS, is considering selling its space operations due to financial difficulties.
In short, as NASA embarks on the path to the Artemis 3 mission, the scientific and technological stakes are higher than ever. The pre-selected landing sites offer immense potential for new discoveries, but significant challenges remain.
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