Senator Mark Kelly, a retired NASA astronaut and current Democratic Senator from Arizona, has recently shared his thoughts on the upcoming Artemis II mission to the moon. In an interview with NewsNation’s Henry Amor at Kennedy Space Center, Senator Kelly expressed his excitement and anticipation for this historic mission.
The Artemis II mission, part of NASA’s larger Artemis program, aims to land the first woman and the next man on the moon by 2024. This mission will be the first time American astronauts will set foot on the far side of the moon, a feat that has never been achieved before, even during the iconic Apollo missions.
During the interview, Senator Kelly highlighted the significance of this mission, stating that it will take the American space explorers into uncharted territory. “They’re going to go 4,000 miles on the far side of the moon, which is something we’ve never done before, even during Apollo,” he said.
The far side of the moon, also known as the dark side, is the hemisphere of the moon that is always facing away from Earth. Due to the moon’s synchronous rotation, this side has remained largely unexplored and holds many mysteries waiting to be discovered.
Senator Kelly, who himself has logged over 50 days in space during his time at NASA, understands the challenges and risks involved in such a mission. However, he believes that the advancements in technology and the determination of the American space program make this mission possible.
He also emphasized the importance of international collaboration in space exploration, stating that the Artemis program is a global effort. “This is an international program. This is not just NASA. This is not just the United States,” he said. “We need the other countries to be successful in this endeavor.”
The Artemis program, which was named after the twin sister of Apollo in Greek mythology, aims to establish a sustainable presence on the moon and pave the way for future missions to Mars. It is a continuation of NASA’s Apollo program, which successfully landed 12 astronauts on the moon between 1969 and 1972.
Senator Kelly’s background as an astronaut and his current position as a member of the Senate subcommittee overseeing NASA gives him a unique perspective on the Artemis program. He believes that this mission will not only push the boundaries of human exploration but also inspire future generations to reach for the stars.
“I think this is going to be one of the most inspirational missions that we’ve ever undertaken. And I think it’s going to be a great thing for the country, a great thing for the world,” he said.
The Artemis II mission is scheduled to launch in 2023 and will be the second flight of the Orion spacecraft, which will carry four astronauts into deep space. It will also mark the first time since 1972 that humans will travel beyond low-Earth orbit.
In conclusion, Senator Mark Kelly’s words clearly reflect the excitement and optimism surrounding the Artemis II mission. With its potential to break new ground and inspire future generations, this mission is a testament to the unwavering spirit of human exploration. As we look to the stars, we can all take comfort in knowing that the American space program is in capable hands and that the future of space exploration is brighter than ever before.
