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

The space science world is abuzz with anticipation as NASA prepares for a monumental step in human space exploration: the Artemis II mission. Within the coming days, the colossal Artemis II rocket is expected to commence its rollout to the launch pad, with the launch itself projected for as early as February, marking a pivotal moment in humanity’s return to lunar orbit. This ambitious endeavor forms the centerpiece of a recent "Inside Science" episode from BBC Radio 4, where science journalist Jonathan Amos delved into the profound reasons behind NASA’s renewed interest in sending humans around the Moon and the invaluable knowledge we stand to gain from propelling our species further into deep space than ever before.

The Artemis program is not merely a nostalgic echo of the Apollo era; it represents a comprehensive, sustainable approach to lunar exploration, designed to establish a long-term human presence on and around the Moon, ultimately paving the way for crewed missions to Mars. Artemis I, an uncrewed test flight of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft, successfully demonstrated the hardware’s capabilities in late 2022, orbiting the Moon and returning safely to Earth. Its triumph cleared the path for Artemis II, which will carry a crew of four astronauts on a circumlunar trajectory, testing the Orion spacecraft’s life support systems, communications, and navigation with humans aboard. This mission will be the first time astronauts have ventured beyond low-Earth orbit since Apollo 17 in 1972, shattering a more than half-century-old boundary.

Jonathan Amos highlighted that the "why now?" question for NASA’s renewed lunar focus is multifaceted. Geopolitical considerations, including the increasing lunar ambitions of other nations, play a role, but fundamentally, Artemis is driven by scientific curiosity, technological advancement, and the inspiration of a new generation. Unlike Apollo, which was largely a race against the Soviet Union, Artemis fosters extensive international collaboration, with partners like the European Space Agency (ESA), Canadian Space Agency (CSA), and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) contributing critical components and expertise. The program aims to develop a sustainable lunar economy, leveraging commercial partnerships for transportation, habitation, and resource utilization, such as extracting water ice from the Moon’s poles for propellant and life support.

The scientific yield from Artemis II and subsequent missions is expected to be immense. By sending humans further into space, scientists can gather unprecedented data on the effects of deep-space radiation on the human body, a critical concern for future Mars missions where astronauts would be exposed for extended periods. The Orion spacecraft is equipped with sophisticated sensors to monitor radiation levels, and the crew’s biological responses will be closely studied. Furthermore, the mission will validate the operational procedures and psychological resilience required for long-duration human spaceflight, providing crucial insights into maintaining crew health and performance far from Earth’s protective magnetosphere. The experience gained in operating complex systems and living in a challenging environment around the Moon will directly inform the planning and execution of humanity’s journey to the Red Planet.

The technological prowess behind Artemis II is equally impressive. The Space Launch System (SLS), currently the world’s most powerful rocket, stands taller than the Statue of Liberty and generates 8.8 million pounds of thrust at liftoff, capable of launching the Orion spacecraft and its crew towards the Moon. The Orion capsule itself is a marvel of engineering, designed to be highly resilient, capable of carrying a crew for extended durations, and equipped with advanced navigation and communication systems to operate autonomously far from Earth. These technologies are not just for lunar missions; they are foundational elements for deeper space exploration, pushing the boundaries of what is possible. The ultimate goal of establishing a lunar gateway – a small space station orbiting the Moon – and eventually a permanent base on the lunar surface, underscores the long-term vision: to use the Moon as a proving ground and a stepping stone for human exploration of Mars and beyond.

Beyond the lunar horizon, the "Inside Science" episode also explored other captivating scientific developments. Penny Sarchet, Managing Editor at New Scientist, joined presenter Tom Whipple to offer her curated selection of the week’s most compelling new science. Her picks often span a diverse range, from breakthroughs in artificial intelligence leading to novel drug discoveries, to new insights into quantum entanglement pushing the boundaries of fundamental physics, and perhaps even recent findings in climate modeling that refine our understanding of critical planetary tipping points. These segments underscore the relentless pace of scientific discovery across various disciplines, offering listeners a glimpse into the cutting edge of research.

A particularly poignant and forward-thinking scientific initiative discussed was the Ice Memory Sanctuary. Dr. Liz Thomas, head of ice core research at the British Antarctic Survey (BAS), explained the urgent rationale behind shipping invaluable ice cores from around the world to a meticulously preserved, frozen cave in Antarctica. This initiative, which officially opened recently, is a proactive response to the escalating threat posed by global warming. Glaciers and ice sheets, particularly in vulnerable regions like the Alps, Andes, and Himalayas, are melting at an unprecedented rate, threatening to obliterate irreplaceable scientific records trapped within their ice.

Ice cores are often referred to as "time capsules." As snow falls and compacts over millennia, it traps air bubbles and layers of dust, volcanic ash, pollen, and chemical traces. Scientists extract these cores and analyze them to reconstruct Earth’s past climate and atmospheric composition with incredible detail. They provide direct evidence of past temperatures, greenhouse gas concentrations (like carbon dioxide and methane), volcanic eruptions, and even ancient biological activity, stretching back hundreds of thousands, and in some cases, millions of years. This data is absolutely vital for understanding natural climate variability, contextualizing current climate change, and improving future climate models.

Dr. Thomas elaborated on the critical need for the Ice Memory Sanctuary. As glaciers melt, not only are the physical records lost, but the very integrity of the ice cores themselves can be compromised, leading to diffusion of trapped gases and degradation of other proxies. The sanctuary in Antarctica, strategically located in a stable, ultra-cold environment – potentially near a research station like Concordia at Dôme C, known for its pristine ice – provides a safe haven for these precious samples. The goal is to preserve them for future generations of scientists who will undoubtedly possess even more advanced analytical techniques to extract further information from these frozen archives. It’s an act of scientific foresight, ensuring that humanity’s record of its planetary history is not irrevocably lost to the very climate change it helps us understand. The logistics involved are immense, requiring international collaboration to drill, transport, and store these fragile samples, highlighting the global commitment to preserving this unique scientific heritage.

From the grand ambitions of sending humans back to the Moon and beyond, to the meticulous preservation of Earth’s ancient climate history, the "Inside Science" program, presented by Tom Whipple and produced by Kate White, Katie Tomsett, Tim Dodd, and Clare Salisbury, with Martin Smith as editor and Jana Bennett-Holesworth as production co-ordinator, continues to illuminate the vast and varied landscape of scientific inquiry. To explore more fascinating science content and delve deeper into these topics, listeners are encouraged to visit bbc.co.uk, search for BBC Inside Science, and follow the links to The Open University for additional educational resources.