Each region contains multiple potential landing sites for Artemis III, which will be the first of the Artemis missions to bring crew to the lunar surface, including the first woman to set foot on the Moon. “The selection of these areas means we are one giant leap closer to returning humans to the Moon for the first time since Apollo,” said Mark Kirasich, deputy associate administrator for the Artemis Campaign Development Division. “When we do, it will be unlike any mission done before, as astronauts venture into dark regions previously unexplored by humans and set the stage for future long sojourns,” Kirasich said in a statement late Friday. Each of these regions lies within six degrees of latitude of the lunar south pole and, collectively, contains different geological features. Specific landing sites are closely tied to the timing of the launch window, so many areas provide flexibility to launch throughout the year, NASA said. All of the areas under consideration are scientifically significant because of their proximity to the lunar south pole, “which is a region that contains permanently shadowed areas rich in resources and terrain unexplored by humans.” “Many of the proposed sites within the regions are among some of the oldest parts of the Moon and together with the permanently shadowed regions, provide an opportunity to learn about the history of the Moon through previously unstudied lunar materials,” said Sarah Noble. , Artemis chief of lunar science for NASA’s Planetary Science Division. The analysis team weighed the landing criteria, including the goal of landing close enough to a permanently shadowed area to allow the crew to conduct a moonwalk while minimizing landing disturbance. This will allow the crew to collect samples and conduct scientific analysis in an uncompromised area, yielding important information about the depth, distribution and composition of the water ice confirmed at the Moon’s South Pole. All 13 regions contain sites that provide continuous access to sunlight for a period of 6.5 days—the planned duration of the Artemis III surface mission. Access to sunlight is critical for a long-term stay on the Moon because it provides a source of energy and minimizes temperature fluctuations. Through Artemis, NASA will land the first woman and the first person of color on the Moon. Meanwhile, NASA’s long-awaited Artemis 1 moon rocket will likely launch in late August. NASA has tentatively selected 3 launch dates: August 29, September 2, and September 5 for the uncrewed mission.
