NET - NASA - Artemis III - Human Moon Landing - SLS Block 1 - LC-39B - KSC - Space Affairs Live

Описание: After a press meeting on December 5, 2024, NASA has rescheduled Artemis II to launch no earlier than April 2026 because of the findings of the heatshield issues of the Artemis I mission in November/December of 2022. Because of the rescheduling, Artemis III will not launch earlier than mid-2027.

The given date here for the stream is not absolute; YouTube allows only scheduled events for a bit more than 2 years. We will adapt the schedule from time to time.

Artemis III is a historic mission under NASA's Artemis program. It aims to land the first woman and the next man on the Moon, focusing on the lunar South Pole. This mission is pivotal as it represents humanity's return to the lunar surface for the first time in over 50 years. It will utilize advanced technologies to explore and potentially utilize lunar resources.

Targeting the lunar South Pole due to its potential water ice deposits could be vital for in-situ resource utilization.
Scientific and Technological Experiments: The mission will conduct geological surveys, collect samples, and test new technology on the lunar surface.

Launch Vehicle and Landing System:
Launch Vehicle: Artemis III will use the Space Launch System (SLS) Block 1, the most powerful rocket ever built by NASA, capable of carrying the Orion spacecraft and other necessary payloads directly to the Moon.

Starship Human Landing System (HLS):
Developed by SpaceX, the Starship HLS will transport astronauts from lunar orbit to the Moon’s surface. This system is crucial for the final descent and ascent on the lunar surface.

Mission Timeline:
Scheduled Launch: The Artemis III mission is planned to launch no earlier than mid-2027 and no later than February 2028.

Mission Duration:
Approximately 30 days, with a significant portion spent on the lunar surface for exploration and experiments.

Significance:
Advancing Human Spaceflight: Artemis III aims to establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon to prepare for future missions to Mars and beyond.

SLS Block I Rocket

The Space Launch System (SLS) Block I is a part of NASA's Artemis program designed to facilitate deep space exploration. It stands as the most powerful launch vehicle built by NASA, surpassing even the Saturn V in terms of thrust.

Here are some key details about the SLS Block I:

Configuration:
The SLS Block I configuration includes a core stage powered by four RS-25 engines previously used on the Space Shuttle. It also features two five-segment solid rocket boosters derived from the Space Shuttle's four-segment boosters but with an additional segment for more thrust.

Capabilities:
The SLS Block I can deliver over 27 metric tons to orbits beyond the Moon. Its core stage, the most significant part of the rocket, is crucial for propelling the Orion spacecraft into space with its solid rocket boosters.

Dimensions and Performance:
The rocket is about 322 feet tall. At launch, it produces about 8.8 million pounds of maximum thrust, about 15% more than the Saturn V.

Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (ICPS): After the initial launch phase, the ICPS takes over to send Orion towards the Moon. This stage is less powerful but crucial for precise maneuvers in space.

Orion Spacecraft
The Orion spacecraft, designed for Artemis missions, serves as the habitation module for astronauts traveling to the Moon and beyond.

Key aspects include:

Design:
Orion is built to support deep space missions with life support, propulsion, thermal protection, and avionics systems that can withstand harsh space conditions.

Capabilities:
It can carry astronauts beyond low Earth orbit, around the Moon, and back. Orion features advanced navigation systems and is designed for reusability in multiple missions.

Safety and Comfort:
Orion is designed with safety as a priority, featuring systems to support life and protect astronauts from cosmic radiation and micrometeoroids.

The Starship Human Landing System (HLS)

The SpaceX Starship Human Landing System (HLS) is a specialized version of the Starship spacecraft, developed to meet NASA's needs for the Artemis Moon missions. Designed for round trips between lunar orbit and the Moon's surface, the HLS supports sustainable lunar exploration.

Its key features include:
Reusability: Aimed at drastically reducing space travel costs by being fully reusable.Propellant Refilling: Equipped for in-orbit refueling from tanker Starships, crucial for lunar transit.

Capacity and Versatility:
The HLS can transport large crews and payloads, making it ideal for both short visits and potential long-term lunar missions.

Development and Testing:
Ongoing tests, including integrated flight tests of Starship and its boosters, are crucial for its readiness for Moon landings. These innovations position the HLS as a central element in NASA's broader strategy for lunar exploration and beyond.