How We Are Going to the Moon | NASA

NASA's plan to return to the Moon is part of the Artemis program, which aims to land "the first woman and the next man" on the lunar surface and establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon by the mid-2020s. Here are the key components of how NASA plans to go to the Moon:

Space Launch System (SLS): NASA is developing the Space Launch System, a powerful new rocket, to carry astronauts and payloads to the Moon. The SLS will provide the necessary thrust to send the Orion spacecraft, astronauts, and other equipment to lunar orbit.

Orion Spacecraft: The Orion spacecraft will serve as the crew module for astronauts traveling to the Moon. It is designed to carry a crew of up to six astronauts and can support missions lasting up to 21 days.

Gateway: NASA is planning to build the Lunar Gateway, a space station in lunar orbit. The Gateway will serve as a staging point for missions to the lunar surface, allowing astronauts to transfer to the Lunar Lander and travel to and from the Moon.

Human Landing System (Lunar Lander): NASA is working on developing a lunar lander that will transport astronauts from the Gateway to the lunar surface. The lunar lander will be essential for landing astronauts on the Moon and returning them to lunar orbit.

Artemis Missions: The Artemis program consists of a series of missions, with Artemis I being an uncrewed test flight of the Space Launch System and Orion spacecraft. Artemis II will be the first mission with a crew, orbiting the Moon before returning to Earth. Subsequent Artemis missions will include landing astronauts on the lunar surface.

Sustainable Presence: NASA's goal is to establish a sustainable presence on the Moon, with plans for extended lunar stays, the creation of infrastructure, and the exploration of valuable resources like water ice.

International Collaboration: NASA is collaborating with international partners, including the European Space Agency (ESA), in the Artemis program to ensure a global approach to lunar exploration.

The Artemis program represents a significant step forward in humanity's efforts to explore and utilize the Moon, with the long-term goal of using the Moon as a stepping stone for human missions to Mars and beyond.