CBS Reports Season 8 Episode 5 Artemis: America's New Moonshot | CBS Reports

Artemis: America's New Moonshot | CBS Reports is the fifth episode of season eight of the long-running CBS Reports news program. The episode focuses on the Artemis program, which is NASA's latest effort to land humans on the moon by 2024.

The episode begins by providing an overview of the history of space exploration, starting with the launch of Sputnik by the Soviet Union in 1957 and the subsequent "space race" between the US and USSR. The narrator notes that while the US initially lagged behind the Soviet Union in space exploration, the US eventually surpassed its Cold War rival by landing humans on the moon in 1969 as part of the Apollo program.

However, since the end of the Apollo program in 1972, the US has not sent humans beyond low Earth orbit, leading some to question whether NASA has lost its edge in space exploration. The episode notes that while NASA has continued to launch satellites and conduct scientific research in space, the public has lost interest in space exploration, and funding for NASA has declined over the years.

The episode then shifts its focus to the Artemis program and NASA's plans to return humans to the moon by 2024. The program's name is a nod to the Greek goddess Artemis, who is associated with the moon. The episode notes that the program has bipartisan support among politicians, and that both Democrats and Republicans see it as a way to boost national pride and stimulate technological innovation.

The episode then provides an overview of the technical challenges involved in the Artemis program, including developing new rockets, spacecraft, and spacesuits, as well as dealing with the harsh environment of the moon. The episode highlights some of the innovative technologies that NASA is working on, such as 3D printing of lunar habitats and using robotic landers to scout out landing sites.

The episode also examines some of the scientific goals of the Artemis program, such as studying the moon's geology, testing new technologies and materials in the harsh lunar environment, and using the moon as a steppingstone to further exploration of the solar system. The episode notes that while some have criticized the Artemis program as a costly and unnecessary boondoggle, NASA officials insist that it is a crucial investment in the future of space exploration.

The episode includes interviews with a variety of people involved in the Artemis program, including NASA officials, engineers, scientists, and astronauts. The interviewees explain their roles in the program and offer their thoughts on its significance and challenges. These interviews help to provide a human face to the otherwise technical and bureaucratic program.

Overall, Artemis: America's New Moonshot | CBS Reports is an informative and inspiring look at NASA's latest effort to explore space and push the boundaries of human knowledge. The episode offers a balanced perspective on the program, highlighting both its potential benefits and its technical challenges. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in the future of space exploration and the role that the US will play in it.