Moonbound Dreams: German Astronaut Maurer's Moon Mission Desire
German astronaut Matthias Maurer from Saarland remains hopeful for his lunar journey aboard one of the US-driven "Artemis" missions. He told the German Press Agency, "These moon missions embody our generation's opportunity. I'd be thrilled and engaged, doing everything to be prepared." However, it's unclear when Europe might visit the moon. As of now, an ESA astronaut isn't slated for either "Artemis 2" (end of 2024) or "Artemis 3" (2025) missions but could join "Artemis 4" and "Artemis 5."
Maurer, waiting in anticipation, verbalized, "If I get near the moon, that's the right direction. Exploring it scientifically would be the jackpot." He admitted that every spacefarer gets jittery, feeling anxious at some point in the process.
Assisting his fellow space coworkers from home, if needed, is a priority for him. "We're all team players. Contributing to other Europeans' lunar journey adds value. Being there myself, though, is the cherry on top."
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Matthias Maurer, Saarland's German astronaut, expressed his enthusiasm for conceivable moon expeditions, viewing it as a chance for his generation. The German Press Agency reported that he covets being part of the prospective "Artemis 4" and "Artemis 5" missions, although no European astronaut is currently booked for "Artemis 2" or "Artemis 3."
Maurer's home region, Saarland, keenly follows his aspirations in space travel. In the event of another ESA astronaut accompanying him, Maurer will gladly assist with the mission from earth. The moon exploration is an aspiration for him, representing "the jackpot."
The German Press Agency continues to cover space travel news including the "Artemis" missions' progress.
Insights:
- The "Artemis II" mission, set to embark on a crewed lunar flyby no earlier than April 2026, involves the European Space Agency (ESA) as a partner. The ESA will contribute the European Service Module (ESM) for Orion spacecraft's essential services, and European astronauts will participate in this venture.
- The "Artemis III" mission, scheduled for mid-2027, will include the deployment of Lunar Gateway, an integral project of the US-led Artemis program. European Space Agency and its partners endeavor to contribute to the development and deployment of this crucial space station.
- In 2027, the Lunar Gateway deployment is planned. The ESA will contribute to building this space station around the Moon, allowing regular missions to land on the moon and laying the groundwork for establishing a lunar base.
