Today in Focus Blast off! Nasa goes back to the moon
13 snips
Mar 31, 2026 Tim Peake, British astronaut who shares launch and life-in-space anecdotes, and Richard Luscombe, Miami-based Guardian reporter covering Artemis II from Cape Canaveral. They describe Cape Canaveral’s buzz, the towering SLS rocket, the cramped Orion capsule, the lunar flyby plan, politics and costs around Artemis, and how private partners are shaping the mission.
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Space Investment Drives Tangible Earth Benefits
- Richard Luscombe argues space investment yields practical benefits alongside exploration spirit.
- He cites Apollo spinoffs like Velcro, Teflon and MRI technology plus weather satellites that aid storm prediction.
Moon Return Driven By Geopolitics And Resources
- Geopolitics fuels renewed lunar ambition: US wants to maintain supremacy as China plans its own moon missions.
- Holding lunar bases matters for access to resources like water ice and as a staging ground for Mars.
Artemis Has Faced Cost Delays And Technical Setbacks
- The Artemis program has been billions over budget and years late, with test-flight issues expected and investigated.
- Artemis 1 suffered heat-shield concerns and the SLS faced helium leaks causing roll-backs and repairs.