'Entire trip was spectacular': Donald Trump hails Artemis II crew after historic Moon mission, eyes Mars next
GS2Polity · Governance · IR· Policies of other countries affecting India· Prelims·
Why in news
President Donald Trump congratulated the NASA Artemis II crew after their successful 10-day lunar flyby and return to Earth.
Background
The Artemis II mission reached a record distance of 406,771 kilometers from Earth. The crew included Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen, and the Orion capsule splashed down near San Diego, California.
Facts for Prelims
- S&TArtemis II: NASA mission involving a 10-day lunar flyby and deep-space system testing
- FactArtemis II record distance: 406,771 kilometers from Earth
- S&TOrion capsule: Spacecraft used for the Artemis missions and splashed down near San Diego
- S&TPlanned crewed lunar landing: Scheduled for 2028
For Mains
Q. Discuss the significance of the Artemis program in the context of the global space race and its implications for international space law.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Geopolitical competition: Strategic positioning of lunar resources and permanent habitation
- Technological sovereignty: Development of deep-space life support and propulsion systems
- Regulatory vacuum: Lack of binding international frameworks for lunar mining and exploration
Keywords: Space exploration · Lunar habitation · Deep-space systems · Technological sovereignty · Space diplomacy
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