Fifty years have passed since a human being last set foot on the moon. Eugene Cernan, who commanded the Apollo 17 mission in 1972, was the final person to walk on the lunar surface. At that time, no one could have predicted that it would take five decades before astronauts would return to the moon.
The Artemis II mission is currently preparing for the first crewed journey around the moon, laying the groundwork for the Artemis III mission, which aims to land humans back on the lunar surface. This marks a significant step forward in space exploration, but many wonder why it has taken so long to reach this point.
Jim Bridenstine, a former NASA administrator, offered an explanation that points to politics rather than technology as the main obstacle. He stated that if not for political risks, humanity would already be on the moon today, and possibly even on Mars.
“In fact, we would probably be on Mars. It was the political risks that prevented it from happening,” he said in 2018. Bridenstine also highlighted that the program took too long and required excessive funding, which contributed to the delay.
Despite these challenges, the signs are promising. NASA administrator Bill Nelson expressed confidence in the success of the Artemis I mission when it launched. The agency has been closely monitoring every stage of the mission, ensuring that any potential issues that could endanger a human crew are identified and addressed.
This mission represents a crucial step in the future of lunar exploration. It raises the question: could this be the beginning of a new era in space exploration?
The article originally published in December 2022 has since been updated to reflect the latest developments. It is part of a sister title to The Independent, designed to deliver stories tailored to the interests of Gen Z and young Millennials. The publication focuses on a wide range of topics, including news, viral trends, politics, celebrities, sports, science, technology, and identities. It prides itself on being fun, original, and passionate about equality while delivering unique perspectives on global stories.
