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This Week in Space 224: The Science of Artemis
21 August 2026

This Week in Space 224: The Science of Artemis

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About

It has been said that the Moon is a harsh mistress, and nowhere is this more apparent than at the lunar south pole. That is, however, where the Artemis program is headed, and we need to figure out how to best explore the region. Dr. David Kring of the Universities Space Research Association's Lunar and Planetary Institute joins us to explore the where, whys, and hows of the Artemis Program's lunar exploration plans, and the answers--and risks--that await us.


Headlines:


    Starship Flight 12 Survives Indian Ocean Landing nd Long Sea Journey
    China's Chang'e 7 Lunar Hopper Mission Targets Permanently Shadowed Terrain
    US National Space Transportation Policy Aims for 1,000 Launches Per Year by 2030

Main Topic: The Science and Planning of the Artemis Lunar Program


    Criteria and Studies for Selecting Artemis Landing Sites
    South Pole Resource Advantages: Continuous Solar Power and Potential Volatiles
    Scientific Promise of the Schrödinger Impact Basin vs. South Pole Mandate
    The Value of Lunar Sample Return for Transformational Science
    Unique Terrain and Operational Challenges of the Lunar South Polar Region
    Training, Mobility, and the Role of Human Exploration versus Robotics
    Impact Cratering's Role in Life's Origins and Earth's Early History
    Considerations for Lunar Base Location and Hazards
    Training Programs for Scientists and Astronauts Preparing for Artemis

Host: Rod Pyle


Co-Host: Fredrick (Rick) Jenet


Guest: Dr. David Kring


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