On July 20, 1969, the global audience held its breath as two American space travelers, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, smoothly traversed the lunar surface, while Michael Collins, the command module pilot, observed from above. This event was anticipated to mark the dawn of the space age, envisioning humans breaking free from Earth’s confines and venturing into space.
Following six subsequent missions, including the mishap-stricken Apollo 13, which hindered a lunar landing, humanity’s aspirations for the moon were halted after Apollo 17 in December 1972. Several factors were attributed to this halt, such as the costly Vietnam War, achieving the goal of surpassing the former Soviet Union to the moon, or a decline in public interest.
Now, after 53 years, there is a resurgence in lunar exploration with NASA’s ambitious Artemis program, aiming to return humans to the moon’s surface in the coming years. But what drives this return to the moon, and how does it benefit humanity?
Philip Stooke, a professor at Western University, emphasized that the pursuit of science and engineering development motivates these endeavors, pushing the boundaries of what is achievable and fostering innovative technologies.
The upcoming Artemis II mission, scheduled for early February, will not land on the moon but will orbit it, allowing the astronauts to travel farther than any human has gone before. This mission will test essential equipment and conduct experiments to support the subsequent Artemis III crew.
Scheduled for 2028, Artemis III will witness astronauts returning to the lunar surface, specifically to the uncharted south pole, which has seen limited exploration attempts.
Various countries, including China and India, are also striving to set foot on the moon, with plans in place to achieve this goal by 2030 and 2040, respectively. The moon has become a focal point for numerous nations and private enterprises eyeing long-term lunar habitation.
While some may question the expenses associated with lunar exploration, space agencies and companies view it as a strategic investment with vast potential returns. Private companies, in particular, see opportunities for resource exploitation on the moon, driving a new wave of innovation.
Beyond resource exploitation, lunar missions contribute to scientific advancements that have practical implications for life on Earth. Space medicine, remote health monitoring, and technological developments are just a few examples of how lunar exploration can benefit society.
The legacy of past lunar missions, such as the Apollo program, extends to unexpected technological spin-offs, including advancements in computer technology, food safety, and medical innovations. Furthermore, technologies initially developed for space missions have found applications in various sectors, such as healthcare.
The emergence of a new space economy is evident, with governments supporting companies engaged in lunar endeavors. Initiatives like lunar mining and resource extraction are creating job opportunities and stimulating economic growth within the space industry.
As humanity embarks on this new chapter of lunar exploration, the long-term implications remain uncertain. However, experts like Ram Jakhu express optimism about the transformative potential of space exploration and its profound impact on humanity’s future.
