BBC Inside Science – Why is Nasa sending people around the moon? – BBC Sounds

The space science world is currently abuzz with anticipation as NASA prepares for a monumental step in human space exploration: the Artemis II mission. As detailed in a recent episode of BBC Radio 4’s Inside Science, hosted by Tom Whipple, the coming days are expected to see the rollout of the colossal Artemis II rocket to its launch pad, with the launch itself projected as early as February. Science journalist Jonathan Amos delved into the profound question of why NASA is reigniting human interest in lunar travel and what invaluable lessons humanity stands to gain from venturing further into space than ever before since the Apollo era.

Artemis II represents the second major mission in NASA’s ambitious Artemis program, which aims not only to return humans to the Moon but also to establish a sustainable lunar presence as a stepping stone for future crewed missions to Mars. Unlike its predecessor, the uncrewed Artemis I which successfully completed an orbital test flight around the Moon in late 2022, Artemis II will carry a crew of four astronauts aboard the Orion spacecraft. This mission is designed to push the boundaries of human endurance and technological capability, taking the crew on a circumlunar trajectory, orbiting the Moon before returning to Earth. The primary objective is to thoroughly test Orion’s life support systems, navigation, communication capabilities, and heat shield performance under actual deep-space conditions with humans aboard. This critical validation is essential before the program proceeds to Artemis III, which plans to land astronauts on the lunar surface, including the first woman and first person of color, marking a historic return to the Moon’s south pole.

The decision to send humans around the Moon now, decades after the Apollo missions, is driven by a confluence of factors. Technologically, significant advancements have been made in propulsion, materials science, and digital systems, making deep-space travel safer and more efficient. Geopolitically, renewed interest in space exploration is evident globally, with several nations and private entities setting their sights on lunar and Martian endeavors. For NASA, Artemis signifies a new era of international collaboration, bringing together partners like the European Space Agency (ESA), Canadian Space Agency (CSA), and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) to share the costs, risks, and benefits of lunar exploration. This collaborative spirit fosters a more robust and resilient framework for long-term space initiatives.

From a scientific perspective, sending humans further into space than ever before will yield unprecedented insights. The Artemis II mission, specifically, will allow scientists to study the effects of deep-space radiation on the human body for extended periods, beyond the protective shield of Earth’s magnetosphere and low Earth orbit. This data is crucial for understanding and mitigating the health risks associated with future long-duration missions to Mars. Astronauts will also provide real-time feedback on the Orion spacecraft’s habitability, operational ergonomics, and the psychological impacts of prolonged isolation in a truly remote environment. These human factors are as critical as the engineering challenges in ensuring the success of future interplanetary travel. Furthermore, the experience gained will inform the development of advanced life support systems, radiation shielding, and emergency protocols, all of which are vital for establishing permanent human outposts on the Moon and Mars.

Beyond the immediate objectives of Artemis II, the Inside Science episode also highlighted other fascinating developments in the scientific community. Penny Sarchet, Managing Editor at New Scientist, regularly joins Tom Whipple to offer her curated selection of the week’s most compelling scientific breakthroughs. While specific topics from this particular segment were not detailed in the episode’s synopsis, New Scientist is renowned for its comprehensive coverage of cutting-edge research across all disciplines – from fundamental physics and astronomy to breakthroughs in medicine, artificial intelligence, and environmental science. Her contributions typically provide listeners with a broad yet concise overview of significant findings, distilling complex research into accessible narratives and offering a wider perspective on the pace and direction of scientific discovery globally. These segments are a cornerstone of Inside Science, ensuring that the audience remains connected to the broader scientific landscape beyond the main feature.

Another critical scientific endeavor discussed was the establishment of the Ice Memory Sanctuary in Antarctica. Dr. Liz Thomas, head of ice core research at the British Antarctic Survey, explained the profound science behind this ambitious project as it officially opened. The Ice Memory Project is an international initiative driven by the urgent need to preserve invaluable ice core samples from glaciers around the world that are rapidly disappearing due to climate change. These ice cores are essentially frozen archives of Earth’s past climate and atmospheric composition, containing trapped air bubbles, dust, volcanic ash, and other impurities that tell a detailed story spanning hundreds of thousands of years. They provide irrefutable evidence of past temperatures, greenhouse gas concentrations, atmospheric chemistry, and even historical biological activity.

The decision to ship these precious ice cores to a frozen cave in Antarctica is strategic and vital. Antarctica, with its naturally extreme and stable cold environment, acts as a perfect natural freezer, offering unparalleled long-term preservation conditions for these irreplaceable samples. Unlike artificial freezers, which are susceptible to power outages or mechanical failures, a deep ice cave provides a passively maintained, ultra-cold, and secure environment. Scientists are meticulously selecting cores from vulnerable glaciers in regions like the Alps, the Andes, and the Himalayas, where rising global temperatures threaten to melt away these historical records forever. The Ice Memory Sanctuary ensures that future generations of scientists, armed with potentially more advanced analytical techniques, will still have access to these vital climate archives. This initiative underscores the scientific community’s commitment to safeguarding critical data for future research into climate change, planetary processes, and the long-term health of Earth’s ecosystems.

The BBC Inside Science programme itself serves as a crucial platform for demystifying complex scientific topics and bringing the latest research directly to a curious public. Hosted by Tom Whipple, the show thrives on engaging interviews with leading scientists and journalists, making cutting-edge discoveries understandable and relevant. The programme’s commitment to educational outreach is further highlighted by its collaboration with The Open University, encouraging listeners to delve deeper into fascinating science content by visiting bbc.co.uk and following links to The Open University’s resources. This partnership enriches the listener’s understanding and provides avenues for further learning. The meticulous production, overseen by a dedicated team including producers Kate White, Katie Tomsett, Tim Dodd, and Clare Salisbury, and editor Martin Smith, with production coordination by Jana Bennett-Holesworth, ensures that each episode is both informative and accessible, embodying the BBC’s mission to educate and inspire. As NASA embarks on its journey back to the Moon and scientists worldwide race to preserve Earth’s climate history, Inside Science remains an essential voice, chronicling humanity’s relentless pursuit of knowledge.