Earth in rear-view of Artemis II astronauts
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Space technology (ISRO, missions)· Prelims·
Why in news
NASA's Artemis II mission captured images of Earth from the Orion spacecraft as the crew approached a planned lunar flyby to establish a permanent lunar base.
Background
The Artemis II mission features a four-person crew traveling in the Orion spacecraft. The mission aims to establish a permanent lunar base to serve as a launchpad for deeper space exploration.
Facts for Prelims
- S&TOrion: The spacecraft used by NASA for the Artemis II mission.
- FactArtemis II crew reached 322,000km from Earth and 132,000km from the moon during the mission.
- S&TLunar sphere of influence: The point where the moon's gravity exerts a stronger pull on a spacecraft than Earth's.
- S&TArtemis II goal: Establishing a permanent lunar base for deeper space exploration.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the strategic and scientific significance of establishing a permanent lunar base for future deep-space exploration.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Strategic positioning: Using the moon as a gateway/launchpad for Mars and beyond.
- Technological hurdles: Sustaining human life and infrastructure in lunar gravity and radiation.
- Geopolitical dynamics: International cooperation vs. competition in lunar resource extraction.
Keywords: Lunar exploration · Orion spacecraft · Space exploration · Lunar sphere of influence · Deep space
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