Americano What can Artemis II tell us about the wonders of the moon?
Apr 3, 2026
David Whitehouse, astroscientist and science writer, breaks down Artemis II and its moon ambitions. He explains the Space Launch System, timing with a full moon, and the mission’s tricky communications and tests. He also discusses why lunar exploration paused for 50 years, the US-China race for the moon, and how Artemis shapes long-term thinking about Mars and human curiosity.
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SLS Is Powerful But Expensive Transitional Hardware
- The Space Launch System is the most powerful rocket humans have ridden and is a patchwork of older shuttle components.
- David Whitehouse explains it's expensive and transitional, costing about $3 billion for this launch and likely to be supplanted by commercial rockets.
Artemis II Uses A Free Return Celestial Ballet
- Artemis II follows a free return trajectory that swings beyond the far side of the moon and uses lunar gravity to bring the capsule back.
- Whitehouse notes they will travel ~5,000 miles past the moon so gravity can curve them precisely back to Earth four days later.
Astronauts Are Chosen For Skill Not Symbolism
- Astronaut selection emphasises ability not representation and requires intense technical, mental and physical skills.
- Whitehouse highlights mixed backgrounds: test pilots for control skills and scientist-engineers for systems knowledge; only one rookie on Artemis II.