NASA has named the four astronauts who will fly around the moon in 2024 or 2025. They include the first woman and the first person of color to go to the lunar vicinity, as well as the first Canadian astronaut to join a moon mission . [2]
The crew members are Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen . [1] They are part of NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the moon and use it as a launchpad for Mars and beyond .
NASA has promised to bring more diversity and inclusion to its exploration efforts, after being criticized for its lack of representation in the past. All of the previous 24 astronauts who flew to the moon were white men. [3]
However, some critics have questioned whether NASA’s diversity efforts are genuine or merely symbolic. They argue that choosing one woman and one person of color for a non-landing mission is not enough to address the systemic barriers and biases that have excluded many groups from space exploration. They also point out that NASA still has a long way to go to achieve gender parity and racial equity in its astronaut corps and leadership.
Moreover, some critics have raised doubts about the feasibility and relevance of the Artemis program itself. They claim that NASA’s budget and schedule are unrealistic and that its goals are driven more by political pressure than by scientific merit. They also challenge the need for sending humans back to the moon when robotic missions can do more for less cost and risk.
NASA has defended its Artemis program as a vital endeavor that will advance humanity’s knowledge and capabilities in space. It has also reaffirmed its commitment to diversity and inclusion as core values that will enhance its mission performance and inspire future generations.
The Artemis II crew represents a diverse and talented group of astronauts who will face many challenges and uncertainties as they embark on their historic journey around the moon . Whether their mission will be seen as a groundbreaking achievement or a token gesture remains to be seen.
Reference：
[1] NASA reveals Artemis 2 astronauts: Meet the most diverse crew to voyage to the Moon
[2] NASA to Announce Astronauts Selected for 2024 Artemis II Lunar Flyby Mission
[3] NASA Names Diverse Astronaut Crew for Artemis II Moon Mission