NASA is looking for volunteers. Anyone who can help is welcome, so if you ever dreamed of being an astronaut but never got the chance, now you can become part of space history alongside the Artemis II mission, and live! They want people who have their own antennas to follow this mission’s next journey live, so pay attention because you could make history!
What is the Artemis II mission?
The Artemis II project will be the first crewed mission within NASA’s lunar program. The Orion spacecraft will carry four astronauts: Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Canadian Jeremy Hansen on a trip around the Moon. The planned launch date is April 2026, with a duration of about 10 days.
This mission will be the “dress rehearsal” and will serve to ensure that future missions do land on the surface, and in the long term, we can set foot on Mars for the first time.
NASA’s invitation
NASA will not only use its traditional space communication networks (Near Space Network and Deep Space Network). It also wants to open the door to universities, international agencies, private companies and ordinary citizens to help track the Orion spacecraft from Earth.
It is “easy”, they will only need to capture the spacecraft’s radio signal and analyze the changes in the waves to know its trajectory. Back in the Artemis I mission, ten volunteers managed to do it successfully, showing that citizen collaboration can provide valuable data.
Space just one step away
According to Kevin Coggins, NASA associate administrator, they want to know what capabilities exist outside the government entity, who is ready to help when we talk about space. Will private companies want to lend a hand? Or will the path to Mars be entirely NASA’s?
So there is a change, now the focus will be “commercial-first” and companies and citizens actively participate in the infrastructure needed to sustain travel beyond Earth. Interesting, right?
Also, this way the population can be an active part of these journeys!
“These data will help us guide our transition, which will ultimately strengthen the infrastructure needed to support the Artemis missions and our long-term goals from the Moon to Mars” Kevin Coggins.
How can you participate?
Those interested must send their proposals before October 27. It is not about traveling to Cape Canaveral or having a big laboratory: you only need an antenna capable of receiving radio signals and a bit of technical knowledge. Nothing that any satellite geek, radio amateur or astronomy fan who takes it seriously doesn’t already have.
With this gesture, NASA reaffirms the idea that exploring space is not just for a few. Anyone can help. Anyone can be part of history.
Artemis II: return to the Moon
That’s what it will be for, it will be historic and it will be the first step to return to the Moon, it will be the first crewed trip beyond Earth’s orbit since 1972!! And we will be one step closer to Mars!
What is SCaN?
The SCaN program works like NASA’s control tower, allowing communication with spacecraft, receiving scientific data and guiding their course precisely. Without this network of antennas and satellites scattered around the world, no mission could tell us what is happening beyond Earth, that’s why now they want more antennas keeping track of the journey.
Explore space, inspire and connect all humanity. How many volunteers will sign up for this incredible adventure? Don’t miss your chance to shine in space!
You can get more information about this mission by clicking the NASA Official website. Let’s go, it’s time to fly over the moon!