Human Space Exploration: Is NASA Still Worth It?

The Artemis II mission is entering a critical phase today, a moment that transcends mere technological achievement and speaks to humanity’s fundamental drive to explore – and, increasingly, to establish a permanent presence beyond Earth. While the temporary loss of communication as the crew passes behind the moon is a logistical hurdle, it underscores a larger point: space exploration is inherently risky, and success demands meticulous planning and redundancy. This mission isn’t just about revisiting the moon; it’s a crucial stepping stone towards a sustained lunar base, a goal that’s become increasingly important as geopolitical tensions rise and resource competition intensifies.

The Artemis program, currently projected to cost nearly $100 billion, has faced scrutiny, particularly given domestic economic challenges. The fact that it survived funding cuts proposed by a previous administration – and garnered bipartisan support – speaks to its perceived strategic importance. However, skepticism remains about the 2028 landing date, with many analysts predicting delays, potentially contingent on future political shifts. The program’s success is inextricably linked to sustained political will and consistent funding, a precarious situation in the current climate.

The Deep Dive: Beyond Apollo – A New Era of Lunar Ambition

The Apollo missions were largely driven by Cold War competition. Artemis, however, represents a more multifaceted ambition. Beyond national prestige, the focus is on establishing a long-term lunar presence for scientific research, resource utilization (particularly water ice), and as a proving ground for technologies needed for eventual missions to Mars. The inclusion of experiments like the “organ-on-a-chip” technology and radiation monitoring demonstrates a commitment to understanding and mitigating the long-term health risks of deep space travel – a critical factor for any sustained off-world presence. The toilet fix, while seemingly trivial, highlights the practical challenges of long-duration spaceflight and the ingenuity required to overcome them.

The Forward Look: Lunar Infrastructure and the Geopolitical Space Race

The success of Artemis II will directly influence the pace of lunar base development. Expect increased investment in lunar infrastructure – habitats, power generation, and resource extraction technologies – if the mission proceeds smoothly. However, the geopolitical implications are equally significant. China’s own lunar program is rapidly advancing, and the US is acutely aware of the need to maintain a leading position in space. The coming years will likely see increased competition – and potentially collaboration – between the US, China, and other spacefaring nations. The data gathered on radiation shielding and the performance of the Orion spacecraft will be crucial in determining the feasibility of longer-duration missions and the design of future lunar habitats. Furthermore, the focus on identifying and mitigating the risks of space weather will become paramount as missions venture further from Earth’s protective magnetic field. The question isn’t just *if* we return to the moon, but *how* we build a sustainable future there, and who will lead the way.

Watching the livestream from Orion, it’s easy to be captivated by the sheer scale of the endeavor. The mission serves as a potent reminder that, despite earthly conflicts and political divisions, humanity is capable of extraordinary feats of collaboration and innovation.

What else we’ve been reading:

• I couldn’t agree more with Robin Craig who argues, passionately, that a home full of clutter beats a stripped back museum-style house every time. Poppy Noor, newsletters team
• Pamela Hutchinson has a moving interview with Sean Hepburn Ferrer, son of Audrey Hepburn. He has written an authorised biography about his mother’s extraordinary life. Patrick
• I loved Gaby Hinsliff’s roundup of the scandalous photos that changed the world in our Saturday paper this weekend, which did nothing to dampen my crush on Hugh Grant. Poppy
• I was blown away by this extraordinary story, about a father and son who made their fortune in Dubai and then became wanted men. Patrick
• I read, in awe, this new start after 60, about a man who decided to become a professional poker player, winning sums as big as £150,000. “You don’t tend to get those highs in a normal job” he says – you can say that again. Poppy

Football | Despite scoring twice in injury time to level the FA Cup quarter-final, West Ham still went out on penalties after their 2-2 draw against Leeds, who reached their first semi-final since 1987.

Rugby union | Bordeaux Bégles delivered a dominant performance against Leicester, winning 64-14 in the Champions Cup to set up a quarter-final against Toulouse next weekend.

Football | Arsenal made a surprise exit at the quarter-final stage of the Women’s FA Cup for the second successive season as Brighton stunned the record 14-time cup winners at Borehamwood.

The Guardian’s page one lead is “Trump threatens to unleash ‘hell’ on Iran in expletive-laden tirade”. The Mail’s version is “Trump drops F-bomb on Iran” and the Mirror’s main headline is “Unhinged” under a strapline that says “President hits new low”. The Financial Times reports: “Trump renews Iran threat in bid to reopen Hormuz strait”. The Times has “New Trump deadline to open Strait or ‘face hell’”. Top story in the Telegraph is “‘We got him’ – US airman rescued in daring raid”. The Express stays local with “‘Vile’ betrayal of grooming gang victims”.

Move over Murdochs, here come the Ellisons

Margaret Sullivan on the billionaire father and son buying up the US media

And finally, the Guardian’s puzzles are here to keep you entertained throughout the day. Until tomorrow.