The space-related calendar is filled with launches, exploratory vehicles for other worlds, experiments beyond Earth, and even new powerful rockets.
As we step into 2024, a pivotal year unfolds for space exploration missions conducted by various global space agencies. In a paradigm reminiscent of a new space race, not dominated solely by superpowers but marked by the competition among multiple nations and even private companies, rocket launches, rover explorations, and probes to distant planets and cosmic locales take center stage.
Let's delve into the most anticipated space missions slated for this new year, where several nations vie for a place in history.
Artemis II: Human Journey to the Moon
Among the standout space missions in 2024 is NASA's crewed mission, Artemis II. This mission holds iconic significance as it marks humanity's return to orbit the Moon. NASA's Artemis program inaugurated in November 2022 with the unmanned Artemis I mission, featuring the debut of NASA's SLS mega-rocket and the state-of-the-art Orion capsule capable of transporting four astronauts. This mission demonstrated the safety conditions for future crewed trips, setting the stage for Artemis II.
Scheduled for November 2024, Artemis II will see astronauts Christina Koch, Victor Glover, Reid Wiseman, and Canadian Jeremy Hansen orbit the Moon for about 10 days in the Orion spacecraft. This mission aims to establish a sustainable lunar presence in collaboration with commercial and international partners, a crucial step towards preparing for Mars missions.
Japan's Lunar Endeavor
JAXA, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, plans a significant lunar landing on January 19, 2024, with its spacecraft SLIM (Smart Lander for Investigating Moon). Launched on September 6, 2023, SLIM is set to become the fifth successful lunar probe, enhancing Japan's presence in lunar exploration.
Japanese Private Space Mission
Japanese private space company Ispace aims for a lunar landing in 2024 with its Hakuto-R mission. After a setback in April, where the communication link was lost seconds before landing, Ispace is determined for a successful second attempt. The mission involves landing a probe and deploying an exploration vehicle.
China's Return to the Moon
China plans to return to the Moon with the Chang'e 6 mission in May 2024. This mission targets collecting samples from the far side of the Moon, potentially revealing valuable insights into lunar history. The mission includes launching the relay satellite Queqiao 2 to facilitate efficient data transmission between Chang'e 6 and Earth.
European Megarocket Ariane 6
ArianeSpace is gearing up for the launch of the Ariane 6 rocket between June 15 and July 31, 2024. This comes after the retirement of the Ariane 5 in July 2023. The successful long-duration ignition test in November 2023 paves the way for this successor.
Jeff Bezos' New Rocket: New Glenn
Blue Origin, founded by Jeff Bezos, aims to launch its New Glenn rocket in 2024, carrying two satellites to Mars as part of NASA's ESCAPADE mission. This marks Blue Origin's entry into the competitive space market, competing with SpaceX.
Hera Mission: Europe's Asteroid Exploration
Europe's ESA plans the Hera mission to visit the asteroid Didymos and its moon Dimorphos in October 2024. This mission follows NASA's DART experiment, which successfully altered Dimorphos' trajectory in September 2022, demonstrating the viability of asteroid deflection.
Starship's Ambition: SpaceX's Endeavor to Explore Beyond
SpaceX's Starship, the world's most powerful rocket, experienced a remarkable yet mixed second flight in November. Despite challenges, SpaceX is determined to learn from setbacks and conduct a third Starship launch in January or February, a crucial step in humanity's return to the Moon and eventual Mars exploration.
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