The goal of the @NASAArtemis I mission is to test the flight of the @NASA_SLS rocket & @NASA_Orion – the spacecraft that will carry humans to the lunar surface. Through this test we can ensure the safety of a crewed second mission.
But the mega moon rocket is not all we’re testing! Riding along are ten cubesats and experiments that will help us understand the Moon’s environment and collect data to prepare us for a sustained presence on the Moon with @NASA_Astronauts, #NASAScience, and new @NASA_Technology.
We will also begin to learn how to thrive in deep space as @NASA_Orion will fly 40,000 miles beyond the Moon, passing through the Van Allen Belt – areas beyond low-Earth orbit where cosmic radiation is trapped.
Onboard, @NASASpaceSci’s Biological Experiment-01 (BioExpt-01) will study the effects of deep space radiation and microgravity on plant seeds, fungi, algae, & yeast. Learn more: science.nasa.gov/missions/bio-e…
Studying the biological effects of deep space will provide researchers with fundamental knowledge to help enable future long-term missions to the Moon and Mars.
Learn more about the science onboard @NASAArtemis I and how we are preparing to put boots back on the Moon, using innovative technologies to explore more of the lunar surface than ever before: nasa.gov/specials/artem…
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It is remarkable to me how little attention this has gotten in the broad @NASAEarth science and tech communities thus far. A decision needs to be made about the importance of that priority.
Yes, it is critical for NASA to adjust their approach and find solutions within budget constraints. Novel commercial approaches sometimes offer more science/dollar than traditionally built missions.
But, it is also true that the whole idea of the Earth System Observatory, a distributed observatory of our planet to serve our planet, cannot be achieved in a scenario as outlined by @jeff_foust in his article.
From landing on Mars to launching the powerful @NASAWebb, it’s hard to beat the monumental achievements we’ve had this past year. But in #NASAScience our momentum doesn’t just stop, it keeps going! Here are 10 things I look forward to in science this year: go.nasa.gov/3IGw868
#1: First Images of @NASAWebb
Soon we will #UnfoldTheUniverse, looking to the first stars and galaxies formed over 13.5 billion years ago. I am so excited to see what this powerful telescope will uncover about our universe this year.
#2: Celebrating 50 years of Landsat and the start of Landsat Next
Last year we launched @USGS/@NASA_Landsat 9, adding to the legacy of satellites tracking changes on Earth from space. Now, we celebrate the progress we've made as we continue to better understand our home planet.