In a significant advancement for space exploration, NASA is poised to launch the Artemis II mission, which will see four astronauts embark on a journey around the Moon. This mission represents the first human venture into deep space since the conclusion of the Apollo programme over fifty years ago, and it promises to carry these astronauts farther from Earth than any human has travelled before.
Artemis II is part of a broader initiative aimed at establishing humanity’s first permanent base on the Moon. The mission is designed to rigorously test the rocket, crew capsule, and other essential components of spaceflight technology that will be critical for future lunar landings. During their approximately ten-day journey, the astronauts will conduct various experiments that lay the groundwork for future explorations.
Barbara Cohen, a planetary scientist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, emphasises that this mission is not merely a continuation of the Apollo programme, but rather an opportunity to leverage decades of experience and knowledge to create a sustainable presence on the Moon while conducting valuable scientific research. “What we aim to achieve is to do science alongside our efforts to establish a permanent presence,” she states.
Among the pivotal experiments planned for Artemis II is an investigation into the effects of deep-space travel on human health. The astronauts will also have the unique opportunity to observe geological features on the Moon that have never been documented by humans.
Cohen highlights that the scientific insights gained from Artemis II will markedly differ from those obtained through robotic exploration of the Solar System. “The remarkable aspect of having human crews is their cognitive abilities and sensory perceptions, allowing them to make informed decisions that enhance scientific inquiry,” she notes.
The crew of Artemis II consists of four extensively trained astronauts, each with a robust scientific background. Christina Koch, for instance, previously built space-science instruments and has significant experience as a scientific field engineer in both Antarctica and Greenland. Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen holds a master’s degree in physics and has worked in the underwater Aquarius laboratory off Florida’s coast.
Nicola Fox, head of NASA’s science mission directorate, expresses enthusiasm for the mission, stating, “We are eager to see what aspects capture the astronauts’ interest and drive their focus, as this presents an incredible opportunity for discovery.”
Health Implications of Deep Space Travel
One of the primary focal points of the Artemis II mission will be the investigation of how deep space travel impacts human health. Previous studies of astronauts on short-duration flights or in low Earth orbit have indicated that space travel may increase cancer risk and induce vision problems, among other health issues. Even the Inspiration4 mission in 2021, which completed a short three-day flight, observed health changes in its crew.
The Artemis II crew will become the first humans to encounter deep-space radiation beyond Earth’s protective magnetic field since the last Apollo mission in 1972. To monitor their exposure, radiation sensors will be strategically placed throughout the capsule’s cabin. Additionally, astronauts will provide saliva and blood samples before and after the mission for analysis of any changes in their immune and bodily systems.
Innovative Research: Organ on a Chip
A particularly innovative study during Artemis II involves an “organ on a chip” experiment. For this, astronauts have donated platelets prior to the mission, from which researchers will extract and freeze immature bone marrow cells. Just before launch, these cells will be placed onto two chips—one will travel with Artemis II, while the other will remain on Earth.
Post-mission, scientists will compare the two chips to assess whether the cells exposed to space experienced more DNA damage or alterations in telomere length. This pioneering research, being conducted outside of low Earth orbit for the first time, could lead to significant advancements in understanding space travel’s impact on human health.
If successful, the findings from this experiment may inform future protective measures for astronauts, enabling NASA to send chips containing cells from prospective astronauts into deep space to better comprehend the biological effects of such journeys.
As we approach this remarkable mission, the potential for scientific discovery and the advancement of human understanding of deep-space travel is immense, marking a new chapter in our exploration of the cosmos.