As the world commemorates the 55th anniversary of the historic Apollo 11 Moon landing, excitement is building around a new era of lunar exploration. This time, space agencies aim to achieve more than just landing on the Moon—they plan to establish a sustainable presence.
Unlike the Apollo program, which ended due to high costs, future missions are set to benefit from technological advancements, international collaborations, and private sector involvement.
These factors are expected to make lunar missions more economically viable, potentially leading to permanent lunar bases and infrastructure that support continuous exploration and scientific research.Salem Al Marri, director general of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, expressed his optimism about the future of lunar exploration.
“We’ve got to look at the last 25 years of what human spaceflight has been and that’s really been sustainable presence on the International Space Station,” he told The National. He envisions a similar model for the Moon, potentially becoming a reality within the next few decades.
The Apollo program, which ran from 1961 to 1972, successfully landed 12 astronauts on the Moon. However, no human has returned since. NASA now hopes to extend Apollo’s legacy through its Artemis program and the Gateway, a Moon-orbiting station. With the help of international partners like the UAE and private companies such as SpaceX and Blue Origin, these ambitious plans are moving closer to fruition.
International Collaboration
The UAE is playing a crucial role by contributing to the Gateway project, which in return will allow a UAE astronaut to visit the Moon. “Fifty-five years since Apollo 11 landed, that was a pivotal moment in human history,” said Al Marri. He emphasized the importance of returning to the Moon to continue exploring and advancing our understanding of space.
The new space race is not just about exploration but also geopolitical competition. NASA faces a formidable rival in China, which has made significant strides with its Chang’e lunar missions and Tianwen Mars rover. China plans to establish a lunar research station by the 2030s, positioning itself as a key player in the quest for lunar dominance.
As NASA competes with China, it faces budget constraints, particularly for the Artemis program. The US Congress has been hesitant to approve the necessary funding, and the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket has faced criticism for its high development costs.
Role of Private Sector
Dimitra Atri, an astrophysicist at New York University Abu Dhabi, believes private companies could play a crucial role in making Artemis a reality. “A number of private companies are involved this time round, and they might attract funding from private investors and other governments,” he said. Companies like SpaceX provide significant funding by launching spacecraft for private entities and other governments.
Despite these advancements, some missions have been canceled due to budget concerns. Recently, NASA announced the cancellation of its $450 million Viper (Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover) project, which was set to scout for lunar ice deposits near the Moon’s south pole—an area targeted for future Artemis missions.
As the world looks back on the historic Apollo 11 mission, the renewed efforts and international collaborations signify a promising future for lunar exploration. The ambition to return to the Moon and establish a sustainable presence continues to inspire and drive advancements in space exploration.
