The World, the Universe and Us Britain’s First Astronaut on the New Race to the Moon | Helen Sharman
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Apr 17, 2026 
Helen Sharman, Britain’s first astronaut and chemist, reflects on Artemis II and the new high-tech race back to the Moon. She talks about reentry and heatshield concerns, the US–China rivalry for lunar resources, why nuclear power might be needed, the role of private landers, and the push for international cooperation to build a lasting lunar base.
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Real Reentry Risk Came From Heatshield Porosity
- Artemis II's re-entry risk centered on damaged heatshield porosity and gas build-up causing pieces to blow off.
- Helen Sharman explains the porous charred surface failed after a loft maneuver so NASA used a different, shorter re-entry trajectory to reduce risk.
Human Moments Reignite Public Enthusiasm
- Artemis II gave the public emotional access to astronauts as humans rather than remote operators, boosting inspiration for a generation that missed Apollo.
- Helen Sharman highlights live feeds, press conferences and candid crew behaviour as key to that emotional connection.
South Pole Strategy Drives The New Lunar Race
- The modern lunar race differs because it's strategic and economic, focused on the South Pole for near-continuous sunlight and subsurface ice.
- Sharman explains the Shackleton crater rim offers power and water enabling sustained operations and further exploration.