Why Sending Humans Back to the Moon Is Difficult?

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Apr 23, 2024

TN Science Desk

Apollo Missions to the Moon

Between 1969 and 1972, NASA's Apollo missions successfully landed twelve astronauts on the lunar surface. This period marked significant achievements in space exploration with humans setting foot on another celestial body for the first time.

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Cost of the Apollo Program

The Apollo program was a massive financial undertaking, consuming a significant portion of the federal budget. Adjusted for inflation, the program cost over $280 billion in today's dollars. This high cost was due to the ambitious goals and pioneering technologies required for the moon landings.

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Current NASA Budget

In contrast to the Apollo era, NASA's budget today is much smaller, accounting for less than half a percent of the total federal budget. Over the past decade, around $90 billion has been allocated to the Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the moon.

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Political Interest and Funding

During the 1960s, the space race with the Soviet Union fueled public and political interest in space exploration, leading to generous funding for NASA. However, after the U.S. achieved its goal of landing on the moon, public enthusiasm waned, and NASA's funding decreased significantly.

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Reuse of Shuttle Infrastructure

As NASA's space shuttle program was ending, the agency faced the challenge of what to do with its existing infrastructure and partnerships. To preserve aerospace capabilities and keep skilled engineers employed, NASA decided to reuse many shuttle parts in the design of the Artemis program.

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Artemis Program Priorities

Unlike the Apollo missions, which focused primarily on beating the Soviets to the moon, the Artemis program has broader and more complex goals. These include longer stays on the lunar surface, conducting scientific research, and laying the groundwork for a sustained human presence on the moon.

Credit: Times Now Digital

Modern Risk Tolerance and Safety

The Artemis program operates with a lower risk tolerance compared to the Apollo era. Lessons learned from past space disasters, such as the Challenger and Columbia tragedies, have led to a greater emphasis on safety and careful planning in the Artemis missions. Additionally, scientific exploration is a central focus, requiring more complex mission designs and equipment.

Credit: Times Now Digital

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