Artemis Program

space exploration · the Moon · NASA · future missions

Return to the Moon. Artemis aims to land humans on the Moon again, something that hasn't happened since the Apollo missions ended in 1972. This time, NASA plans to stay longer and explore new areas.

Building a Moon base. Unlike the Apollo missions that were quick visits, Artemis wants to establish a permanent lunar base where astronauts can live and work for extended periods.

More diverse astronauts. The Artemis program aims to land people from different backgrounds on the Moon, including the first woman and first person of color to walk on the lunar surface.

Started in 2017. President Donald Trump officially created the Artemis program through Space Policy Directive-1, giving NASA the official mission to return humans to the Moon.

Stepping stone to Mars. Many see the Artemis program as practice for eventually sending humans to Mars, using the Moon as a testing ground for long-distance space travel.