Best of the Spectator Americano: what can Artemis II tell us about the wonders of the moon?
Apr 7, 2026
David Whitehouse, astroscientist and writer, explains the complexity and symbolism of Artemis II. He breaks down the rocket and free‑return trajectory. He discusses astronaut selection and training. He explores communications challenges, the half-century gap since Apollo, the new space rivalry with China, and the moon’s lasting cultural and biological influence.
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SLS Is Powerful But Economically Unsustainable
- The Space Launch System (SLS) is currently the most powerful rocket and a patchwork of refurbished shuttle components.
- Its $3 billion launch cost makes frequent crewed flights impractical, so NASA plans to transition to commercial systems like SpaceX's in coming years.
Free Return Trajectory Provides Passive Safety
- Artemis II follows a free return trajectory that swings the capsule 5,000 miles beyond the moon's far side and uses lunar gravity to bring it back to Earth.
- This provides an automatic safe return if engines fail, echoing Apollo-era navigation techniques used on Apollo 8 and Apollo 13.
Crew Chosen For Skill Not Symbolism
- Astronaut selection prioritizes competence, not tokenism; crew members are highly trained test pilots, scientists and engineers.
- The crew's experience includes precise prioritisation under pressure and deep systems knowledge — one crew member nicknamed 'Ike' knows the capsule inside out.