White House says its supports Artemis Program to return to the Moon [Updated]

Enlarge / NASA has named a cadre of "Artemis Astronauts," but the program's future is uncertain. (credit: NASA)

Update, 12:30pm EST: Today, at the outset of her briefing with White House reporters, press secretary Jen Psaki offered the following statement on the Artemis Program:

"Through the Artemis Program, the United States will work with industry and international partners to send astronauts to the surface of the Moon-another man and a woman to the Moon, which is very exciting-conduct new and exciting science, prepare for future missions to Mars, and demonstrate America's values. To date, only 12 humans have walked on the Moon- that was half a century ago. The Artemis Program, a waypoint to Mars, provides the opportunity to add numbers to that. Lunar exploration has broad and bicameral support in Congress, most recently detailed in the FY2021 omnibus spending bill, and certainly we support this effort and endeavor."

The statement is notable because it clearly comes after Psaki was briefed by science officials within the Biden administration and reflects their support for the general thrust of the Artemis Program. Details are nonexistent, but that's to be expected from a new administration on a topic such as space. And there will certainly be changes in timing and approach. But the bottom line is this: Game on for the Artemis Program.

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