NASA is working with US industry to develop it manned landing system Which will safely carry astronauts from lunar orbit to the lunar surface and back during the agency’s Artemis mission.

For Artemis IIINASA is working with SpaceX to develop the company’s Starship Human Landing System (HLS), aiming for the first crewed return to the lunar surface in more than 50 years. Newly updated artist’s conceptual renders show how Starship HLS would dock with NASA’s Orion spacecraft in lunar orbit, then two Artemis crew members would transfer from Orion to Starship and descend to the surface. There, the astronauts will collect samples, conduct science experiments and observe the moon’s environment before returning to the starship in Orion, waiting in lunar orbit. Prior to the crewed Artemis III mission, SpaceX will perform an unmanned landing demonstration mission on the Moon.

NASA is also working with SpaceX to develop the company’s Starship lander to meet a wide range of requirements Artemis IVThese requirements include landing more mass on the Moon and docking with the agency’s Gateway lunar space station for crew transfer.

With Artemis, NASA will explore more of the Moon than ever before, learn how to live and work far from home, and prepare for future human exploration of Mars. NASA’s SLS (Space Launch System) rockets, Exploration Ground System and Orion spacecraft are NASA’s foundation for deep space exploration with the Human Landing System, next-generation spacesuits, the Gateway lunar space station, and future rovers.

For more information on HLS visit:

https://www.nasa.gov/humans-in-space/human-landing-system

Corinne Beckinger
Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Ala.
256.544.0034
corinne.m.beckinger@nasa.gov

gateway’s power and propulsion elementsWhat will make the lunar space station the most powerful solar electric spacecraft ever flown has recently acquired xenon and liquid fuel tanks for the trip to and around the Moon.

Technicians in Palo Alto, California carefully install a piece of equipment into which the tanks will be placed. Once fully assembled and launched into lunar orbit, the rolled-out solar array of power and propulsion elements – together about the size of the endzone of an American football field – will activate the xenon gas and launch the Moon’s Gateway. Will use the sun’s energy to generate thrust to reach . in orbit where it will await the arrival of its first crew Artemis IV mission.

The power and propulsion element will also carry the European Radiation Sensor Array science experiment, one of three provided by ESA (European Space Agency) and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency). gateway science experiment Which will study solar and cosmic radiation. This poorly understood phenomenon is a major concern for humans and hardware traveling to deep space destinations such as Mars and beyond.

The power and propulsion elements are managed from NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio, and manufactured by Maxar Space Systems of Palo Alto, California.

NASA, along with its industry and international partners, is preparing for continued exploration of the lunar surface with the Artemis mission to advance science and discovery for the benefit of all. As part of that effort, NASA intends to give Blue Origin and SpaceX additional work under their existing contracts to develop landers that will deliver large pieces of equipment and infrastructure to the lunar surface.

NASA is currently expected to assign demonstration missions manned landing system The providers, SpaceX and Blue Origin, to mature the designs of their large cargo landers following successful design certification reviews. The assignment of these missions is based on a 2023 request by NASA for development by two companies cargo version Their crewed human landing systems are now in development for Artemis III, Artemis IV, and Artemis V.

“NASA is planning both crewed missions to the Moon beyond Artemis V and future service missions,” said Stephen D. Creech, deputy associate administrator for technical support for the Moon to Mars Program Office.,The Artemis campaign is a collaborative effort with international and industry partners. Having two lunar lander providers with different approaches to crew and cargo landing capability provides mission flexibility while ensuring a regular cadence of Moon landings for continued exploration and scientific opportunity.

NASA plans at least two delivery missions with large cargo. Agency intends to deliver SpaceX’s Starship cargo lander pressurized roverCurrently in development by JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency), to support Artemis VII and subsequent missions to the lunar surface no later than fiscal year 2032. The agency hopes that Blue Origin will provide habitat on the lunar surface before fiscal year 2033.

,“Based on current design and development progress for both crew and cargo landers and the Artemis mission schedule for crew lander versions, NASA assigned a pressurized rover mission to SpaceX and a lunar habitat delivery to Blue Origin,” Lisa Watson-Morgan. , said the program manager. , Human Landing System, at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. “The purpose of these large cargo lander demonstration missions is to optimize our NASA and industry technical expertise, resources and funding as we prepare for the future of deep space exploration.”

SpaceX will continue cargo lander development and prepare for Starship cargo missions under Option B Next Steps Appendix H Contract. Blue Origin will conduct its cargo lander task and demonstration mission Next Steps Appendix PNASA expects to issue a preliminary request for proposals to both companies in early 2025.

with Artemis In the mission, NASA will explore more of the Moon than ever before, learn how to live and work away from home, and prepare for future exploration of Mars. NASA’s SLS (Space Launch System) rockets, Exploration Ground System and Orion spacecraft are NASA’s foundation for deep space exploration with the Commercial Human Landing System, next-generation spacesuits, the Gateway lunar space station, and future rovers.

For more information about NASA’s Human Landing System program, visit:

https://www.nasa.gov/hls

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james gannon
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1600
james.h.gannon@nasa.gov

Corinne Beckinger
Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Ala.
256-544-0034
corinne.m.beckinger@nasa.gov

In this photo, NASA’s SLS (Space Launch System) rocket, carrying the Orion spacecraft, lifts off from the pad at Launch Complex 39B at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 1:47 a.m. EST on Nov. 16, 2022 Is. The path to the moon, it officially began Artemis I mission,

Since the completion and return of Orion’s 25.5-day mission around the Moon, NASA teams have been hard at work preparing for what’s to come. Artemis II The test flight, which will send four astronauts on a 10-day mission around the Moon, will pave the way for humans to land on the Moon as part of the Artemis III mission.

Under NASA’s Artemis mission, the agency will establish the foundation for long-term scientific exploration on the Moon, land the first woman, first person of color and its first international fellow astronaut on the lunar surface, and prepare for human missions to Mars. Benefit for all.

Image credit: NASA/Joel Kowsky

Teams lifted NASA’s Orion spacecraft from the final assembly and systems test cell for the Artemis II test flight and moved it to complete further testing on Nov. 6 inside the Neil A. Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. Taken to the altitude chamber. in Florida.

Engineers returned the spacecraft to the altitude chamber, which simulates deep space vacuum conditions, to complete remaining test requirements and provide additional data to enhance data obtained during testing earlier this summer.

The Artemis II test flight will be NASA’s first mission with a crew under the Artemis campaign, carrying NASA astronauts Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Reed Wiseman, as well as CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen on a 10-day trip. Will be sent to. Moon and back.

Image credit: Lockheed Martin/David Wellendorff

Apply Now: Join the Citizens Academy Class of 2025!

Applications are now being accepted for the Citizens Academy Class of 2025. Applications will be accepted through Friday, December 6, 2024, Applicants will be notified of their acceptance by December 13.

2025 Citizen Academy will be there every wednesday night 6:30 to 8:30 pm, From start to 10 weeks From Wednesday, January 8 to Wednesday, March 12, 2025. Optional tours are offered after most class sessions, which may add additional time to the session; However, they are not required to attend.

participant selection

Due to space limitations, Citizens Academy classes are limited in size. Preference is given to those living within the city limits of Midland. Citizens who applied in previous years but were not selected are encouraged to apply again!

To apply for the Citizens Academy Program, you must:

• be at least 18 years of age
• Reside in Midland County (residents within city limits preferred)
• Be able to attend classroom-style sessions for 2 hours per week from January to March
• Interested in learning more about your local government

While some people stand on the sidelines and watch history, others are destined to play a role in it. And then there are those who document it, bringing people, actions, images, words and personalities to the world. U.S. Naval Reservist Public Affairs Officer and Program Strategic Communicator for NASA HLS (Human Landing System) Joe Vermette stands at the nexus of all three.

Inspired to serve his country by the events of September 11, 2001; A veteran of multiple overseas deployments with the Navy, and responsible for communicating NASA’s return to the Moon via the Artemis mission, Vermette has played a role in history as he communicates humanity’s greatest efforts to the world. Is.

Vermette joined NASA during the COVID-19 pandemic in August 2020, coming from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), where he was a regional communications director. From the beginning, he faced the challenge of communicating the new way of working for the HLS program with commercial providers for moon landing services, rather than learning about space exploration, Artemis, and specifying the construction of spacecraft. Did.

“I was used to being right in the middle of the action,” Vermette said. “The pandemic challenged me to work in a new way. At the same time, NASA and HLS are working in a new way, having recently brought on their first commercial provider, SpaceX,” he said. In May 2023, the HLS program brought on a second commercial provider, Blue Origin, for human landing services.

After earning a degree in military history with a minor in communications from Florida State University, Vermette worked as a video journalist and spot writer for CNN. But it was the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, that really shaped his career in government service. “Three weeks later, I went to the recruitment office and started the process of joining the army. “I saw an opportunity to help the country to the best of my ability,” Vermette said.

Since then, his career has been punctuated by active duty deployments from the Middle East to Europe to the States; On Navy ships, in US Central Command, in US Special Operations Command, and many more.

NASA’s HLS program and Artemis have benefited from Vermette’s experience and continued help in directing strategic communications since 2020. He has recently responded to the call to active duty again, but intends to return to NASA after completing his military obligations.

“NASA is a different world from the military or disaster response. But I have been fortunate enough to see and communicate the government’s success stories in all three sectors, Vermette said. “Seeing NASA put astronauts on the Moon again would be the best ‘mission accomplished’ for me.”

With Artemis, NASA will explore more of the Moon than ever before, learn how to live and work remotely from home, and prepare for future human exploration of the Red Planet. NASA’s SLS (Space Launch System) rockets, Exploration Ground System and Orion spacecraft are NASA’s foundation for deep space exploration with the Human Landing System, next-generation spacesuits, the Gateway lunar space station, and future rovers.

For more information on HLS visit:

https://www.nasa.gov/humans-in-space/human-landing-system

Corinne Beckinger
Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Ala.
256.544.0034
corinne.m.beckinger@nasa.gov

Growing up, Lane Pollack did not have much interest in space. Instead, he was busy writing stories, doodling, or riding his skateboard. He later dreamed of becoming a writer but also considered taking the field as an American gladiator.

After earning a degree in Communications with a minor in English from the University of Alabama in Huntsville, Pollack decided to embrace her passion for storytelling and continue her path toward technical writing.

Fast forward 14 years and Pollack is now a technical writer NASA’s SLS (Space Launch System)A dream he never knew he had. In his current role at the agency Marshall Space Flight Center In Huntsville, Alabama, he is responsible for creating content that increases public awareness of NASA and SLS in particular. He also assists with outreach programs and supports exhibitions, but it is the opportunity to connect with the community, especially children, that he finds most rewarding.

Pollack said, “I believe that a child’s development is one of the most wonderful wonders in this world.” “As a father, I love watching both of my sons progress and learn new things, but I have always been passionate about helping kids take their leaps. That’s another great thing about creating – there’s always a new idea to create and explore.

Pollack has made his mark with the agency through a series of children’s books designed to inspire the youngest members of the Artemis Generation. His first book, “Hooray for SLS!”, The SLS invites young readers on a journey to learn all about the Moon rocket. With engaging writing and colorful illustrations, he captures the wonder of space exploration, making learning about the Artemis mission both fun and engaging. It’s a celebration of curiosity and adventure, showing kids how exciting a trip to the Moon and Mars can be.

Working with NASA has changed Pollack’s perspective on the power of collaboration and storytelling in science. “After a few months at NASA, I found myself completely fascinated by space and the incredible projects and opportunities that unfold every day,” he said. “Being part of artemis generation This is not just a job for me; It is a privilege. I have the opportunity to inspire future generations while contributing to humanity’s quest for deep space exploration. One of the many things my position allows me to do is help others see the scale of this amazing agency, the work people are doing, and that there really is room for anyone here.

Outside of work, Pollack stays busy coaching youth sports, mountain biking, and spending quality time with his family. He and his wife Emily also enjoy buying and selling vintage clothes. Whether it’s creating new stories for children or searching for the next great idea, he embraces the endless possibilities of creation.

Read other I am Artemis features.

Stephanie Dudley sits at the intersection of human spaceflight and science doorHumanity’s first lunar space station that will host astronauts and unique scientific investigations.

Dudley, Gateway’s mission integration and utilization manager, recently posed for this photo in a high-fidelity mockup of the space station. Hi (Habitation and Logistics Outpost), where astronauts will live, conduct science, and prepare for missions to investigate the lunar south pole region. Dudley works with NASA’s partner space agencies and academia to identify science opportunities at the Gateway.

HALO will host a variety of science experiments, including Heliophysics Environmental and Radiation Measurement Experiment SuiteLed by NASA, and the Internal Dosimeter Array, led by ESA (European Space Agency) and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency). The heliophysics experiment will fly on the exterior of the helo, and the dosimeters will be housed in a series of racks inside the Gateway, mockups of which are shown to Dudley’s right in the image above. Both experiments will study solar and cosmic radiation to help the science community better understand how to protect astronauts and hardware during deep space journeys to places like Mars.

“We are building [Gateway] to a lifespan of 15 years, but certainly hopefully we’ll live longer than that,” Dudley said recently. houston we have a podcast“And so many years of scientific study in a place where humans have never worked and lived long, the Gateway is going to allow us to do that.”

Dudley serves dual responsibilities as deputy director for NASA’s Exploration Operations Office Moon to Mars programA role that connects him to Artemis science beyond the Gateway, including science investigations orion And manned landing system spacecraft and lunar terrain vehicle,

“My job…is helping to make sure all six [Artemis] All programs, including Gateway, we’re all focusing on access in the same way, Dudley said.

Dudley’s team coordinates the science payloads for Artemis II, the first mission to send humans to the Moon since 1972, and Artemis III, the first landing in the lunar south pole region that is of deep interest to the global science community.

Gateway’s HALO to launch with space station power and propulsion elements next to Artemis IV mission In 2028, the first lunar mission to include an orbiting space station.

“Gateway sounds very science fiction, but it’s real,” Dudley said recently. “And we are building it. And in a few years, it’s going to be around the Moon and that’s when the real work, the fun work in my opinion, is going to begin and science will never be the same.

Gateway is humanity’s first lunar space station as a central component Artemis campaign That will return humans to the Moon for scientific exploration and pave the way for the first manned mission to Mars.

As NASA prepares for the first crewed landing on the Moon in more than five decades, the agency has identified an updated set of nine potential landing areas near the Moon’s south pole for its Artemis III mission. These areas will be further investigated through scientific and engineering studies. NASA will continue to survey potential areas for missions after Artemis III, including areas beyond these nine regions.

“Artemis will return humanity to the Moon and visit uncharted territories. NASA’s selection of these regions reflects our commitment to safely landing crews near the Moon’s south pole, where they will uncover new scientific discoveries and help learn how to live on the lunar surface,” said Moon to Mars. said LaKisha Hawkins, assistant deputy associate administrator for the Planetary Programs Office. ,

NASA’s cross agency site selection analysis team, working closely with science and industry partners, added and excluded potential landing fields, which were evaluated for their science value and mission availability.

sophisticated candidate Artemis III The lunar landing zones are not in order of priority:

• Peak near Cabius B
• Haworth
• Malapert Massif
• mons mouton plateau
• mons mouton
• Nobel Rim 1
• nobel rim 2
• De Gerlache Rim 2
• slater plain

These areas have diverse geological characteristics and provide flexibility for mission availability. The lunar south pole has never been explored by any crewed mission and contains permanently shadowed areas that may preserve resources, including Water,

“The south pole of the Moon is a completely different environment than where we landed during the Apollo missions,” said Sarah Noble, Artemis lunar science lead at NASA Headquarters in Washington. “It provides access to some of the oldest areas of the Moon, as well as cooler, shadowed regions that may contain water and other compounds. “Any of these landing zones will enable us to do amazing science and make new discoveries.”

To select these landing areas, a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers analyzed the lunar south pole region using data from NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter and a vast body of lunar science research. Factors in the selection process included science capability, launch window availability, terrain suitability, communication capabilities with Earth, and lighting conditions. Additionally, the team assessed the combined trajectory capabilities of NASA’s SLS (Space Launch System) rocket, Orion spacecraft and Starship HLS (Human Landing System) to ensure a safe and accessible landing site.

Artemis III Geology Team Evaluated landing fields for their scientific promise. Sites within each of the nine identified regions have the potential to provide important new insights into our understanding of rocky planets, lunar resources, and the history of our Solar System.

“Artemis III will be the first time astronauts will land in the south polar region of the Moon. They will fly on a new lander in a terrain that is unique from our previous Apollo experience,” said Jacob Bleacher, NASA’s chief exploration scientist. “Finding the right location for this historic moment starts with identifying safe locations for this first landing, and then trying to match this with the opportunities for science from this new location on the Moon.”

NASA’s Site Assessment Team will engage the lunar science community through conferences and workshops to gather data, create geologic maps, and assess the regional geology of the final landing sites. The team will also continue to survey the entire lunar south pole region for science value and mission availability for future Artemis missions. This will include planning for and feasibility of expanded science opportunities during Artemis IV LTV (Lunar Terrain Vehicle) As part of Artemis V.

The agency will select sites within the regions for Artemis III after identifying the mission’s target launch dates, which dictate the transfer trajectory, or orbital path, and surface environmental conditions.

Under NASA’s Artemis mission, the agency will establish the foundation for long-term scientific exploration on the Moon, land the first woman, first person of color and its first international fellow astronaut on the lunar surface, and prepare for human missions to Mars. Benefit for all.

For more information about Artemis visit:

https://www.nasa.gov/specials/artemis

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James Gannon/Molly Wasser
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1600
james.h.gannon@nasa.gov , molly.l.wasser@nasa.gov