United States Unveils Ambitious Mission: Sending a Global Astronaut to the Moon

Experience the wonders of the universe by subscribing to CNN's Wonder Theory science newsletter. Stay updated on the latest fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements, and more. In a recent announcement, Vice President Kamala Harris revealed that an international astronaut will be part of NASA's Artemis program, set to land on the surface of the moon.

The United States has now extended its commitment to the Artemis missions by allowing an international astronaut to walk on the surface of the moon, joining the exclusive club of only 12 members. During a meeting of the White House's National Space Council in Washington, DC, Vice President Harris proudly announced the intention to land an international astronaut on the moon by the end of the decade, emphasizing the essential role of allies and partners in the Artemis program. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan were also present at the meeting.

On October 26, 2023, in Alxa League, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China, a Long March-2F carrier rocket carrying the Shenzhou-17 spaceship and three astronauts aboard, took off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. (Photo by VCG/VCG via Getty Images)

VCG/Getty Images

China has sent its youngest-ever astronaut crew to the Tiangong space station

Each Artemis moon-landing mission will accommodate four astronauts, but only two will actually set foot on the moon. The other two astronauts will either orbit the moon in the Orion spacecraft or remain on the small space station known as Gateway. According to a NASA official, there are specific opportunities designated for European Space Agency, Canadian Space Agency, and Japanese (JAXA) astronauts, with additional crew opportunities not yet designated to specific Artemis missions.

In November 2024, the Artemis II mission will mark the first time humans have orbited the moon since the Apollo program ended. Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen, a member of the crew, spoke about the inclusion of Canada and other international partners, emphasizing the collective expertise and leadership that is urgently needed in the world today.

NASA's forthcoming mission to land on the moon, Artemis III, is not set to launch until at least the end of 2025. However, this timeline is uncertain as the agency monitors the development of a SpaceX vehicle that will transport astronauts to the lunar surface. A NASA official mentioned that crew assignments will be determined as the mission parameters and crew criteria are clarified.