NASA’s Artemis II Mission Marks Return to Lunar Orbit After Decades of Planning NASA is set to launch its Artemis II mission in April 2026, marking the first crewed lunar orbit mission since the 1970s. The mission will use the Space Launch System (SLS) heavy-lift rocket to send the Orion spacecraft into orbit, where a crew of four will travel around the Moon for 10 days. The endeavor represents a significant milestone in space exploration, built on years of planning and technological development. In an interview with The Conversation Weekly podcast, Scott Pace, director of the Space Policy Institute at George Washington University, reflected on the long road to this point. Pace, who previously worked on space policy during the George W. Bush administration and served as executive secretary of the National Space Council under President Trump, highlighted the challenges that shaped modern spaceflight. The 1980s and 1990s saw a shift in NASA’s priorities after the 1986 Challenger disaster and the 2003 Columbia accident. The space shuttle program, while groundbreaking, proved economically unsustainable due to high costs. NASA explored alternatives, including single-stage-to-orbit space planes, but these high-risk projects failed. Instead, the agency focused on improving safety through crew capsules with escape systems. This approach laid the groundwork for the SLS and Orion, which are now central to the Artemis program. The Artemis II mission will test critical systems, including the environmental control and life support system, which has not yet been fully flight-tested. During the mission, the crew will perform a translunar injection maneuver to escape Earth’s orbit and enter a lunar trajectory.#nasa #artemis_ii #space_launch_system #george_washington_university #scott_pace
Trump claims back channel talks with Iran, Tehran denies: What next in West Asia war? On the 25th day of the ongoing conflict in West Asia, uncertainty remains as U.S. President Donald Trump asserts that secret negotiations with Iran are taking place, accompanied by a temporary halt to military strikes. However, the region continues to experience devastation from missile and drone attacks, with both Tel Aviv and Tehran suffering significant damage. Iran has categorically denied any such discussions, leaving the situation in limbo. Despite diplomatic efforts by regional powers such as Turkey, Egypt, and Pakistan to broker a ceasefire, the war shows no signs of abating. Trump's recent call with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India's stance in favor of de-escalation and peace restoration. Modi emphasized the critical importance of maintaining the security and accessibility of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil transit route. Dr. Melani McAlister, director of the Institute for Middle East Studies at George Washington University, noted that Trump's claims may reflect an attempt to withdraw from the conflict and declare victory, driven by domestic pressures and rising energy costs. Iran retains significant influence through its control of the Strait of Hormuz, which facilitates a substantial portion of global oil transportation.#iran #donald_trump #strait_of_hormuz #narendra_moddi #george_washington_university
