The Current Artemis II: Humanity’s Return to the Moon
Feb 2, 2026
Michelle Hanlon, a space law expert focused on the Outer Space Treaty and ethical rules for lunar activity. Gordon Osinski, a planetary geologist who trains astronauts and studies lunar science. They discuss Artemis II launch prep, Canada’s role, translunar maneuvers and far-side blackout, how this mission paves the way for surface science, and the legal and geopolitical stakes of returning to the Moon.
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International Hardware And Partnerships Matter
- Artemis II is U.S.-centric but includes critical international hardware like ESA-provided life support in Orion.
- Sixty-one countries have signed the Artemis Accords, expanding global participation beyond past lunar programs.
Translunar Injection Is The Mission's Pivotal Decision
- After launch the crew will test systems and choose whether to perform the translunar injection to go to the Moon.
- That injection is critical because once executed they cannot simply turn around to return to Earth.
Far-Side Flyby Offers Unique Science Window
- During the far-side lunar flyby astronauts will lose contact for up to 40 minutes and perform observations.
- That unseen vantage offers unique science opportunities and perspectives no human has had before.