What Next Are We Over the Moon?
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Jan 4, 2026 Joel Achenbach, a seasoned journalist and author of 'Moondoggle', delves into NASA's Artemis program. He highlights the public's confusion over lunar and Mars missions and why it's crucial to prioritize the moon as a testing ground for Mars exploits. Achenbach discusses the political and budgetary hurdles NASA faces, alongside the intricate architecture of Artemis, including the SpaceX lunar lander plans. He also examines the impact of competition with China and the waning interest in space among younger generations, emphasizing lessons for Earth.
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Public Confusion About Artemis
- Joel Achenbach asked his daughter and neighbors what they knew about Artemis and many were confused or thought it was a Mars plan.
- That everyday confusion illustrates how little public awareness exists about current U.S. moon efforts.
Space Lacks 1960s Urgency
- The 1960s space program was a national existential project driven by Cold War rivalry and mass attention.
- Today no comparable national urgency exists, so space ambitions lack the same public drive.
Politics Shapes Destinations
- NASA has oscillated between moon and Mars priorities across administrations, creating decades of shifting goals.
- That political whiplash has left human exploration plans inconsistent and politically vulnerable.