Space missions to look forward to in 2024

2024 will see continued lunar exploration efforts, test flights of new vehicles, and new records set.

Simulation of the SLIM spacecraft preparing to land. Photo: JAXA

Japanese lander attempts to land on the Moon

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) launched the Smart Lunar Lander (SLIM) in September 2023. The spacecraft entered lunar orbit in December and is scheduled to land inside the Shioli Crater on the Moon on January 19. The SLIM mission aims to demonstrate the ability to land with extremely high precision, just under 100 meters from the target. If successful, this will be the first time Japan has successfully landed a spacecraft on the Moon, becoming the fifth country to do so after the Soviet Union, the United States, China and India.

Starship launch system lifts off for third time

SpaceX's Starship launch system is preparing for its third flight, IFT-3, in the first quarter of 2024. IFT-3 is designed to validate key technologies for future lunar and interplanetary missions. Starship flew twice in 2023, but failed to reach orbit. SpaceX has a contract with NASA to develop a version of the Starship lunar lander by 2025, so it's possible that the vehicle will fly a few more times this year. Starship could also be developed into a vehicle to take people to Mars in the future.

Boeing spacecraft launches with crew

The first crewed test flight of Boeing's Starliner spacecraft is scheduled for mid-April. The eight-day mission will see astronauts fly to the International Space Station (ISS). Starliner consists of a reusable human module and a disposable equipment module. The spacecraft is designed to transport crews to low Earth orbit and will serve NASA's Commercial Crew Program. Starliner will launch into space atop a ULA Atlas V rocket for its first test flight.

First private spacewalk mission

The Polaris Dawn mission is part of the Polaris Program, a series of launches commissioned by billionaire Jared Isaacman, scheduled to launch as early as April 2024. The mission, which will use SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft to carry Isaacman and three others into low Earth orbit for several days, will set several records, including the first private spacewalk and the highest-altitude spacewalk ever recorded.

The Polaris Dawn mission could host the first private spacewalk. Photo: Polaris Program

China launches lunar sample collection spacecraft

The Chang’e-6 mission is scheduled to launch in May 2024 and aims to bring samples back to Earth from the Moon. The mission is notable because it will take samples from the far side of the Moon, specifically the South Pole-Aitkin Basin. This area is believed to have abundant water ice reserves and scientists have never taken samples from there. Although the ice may be gone by the time Chang’e-6 returns to Earth, studying the samples will still provide valuable information about the South Pole-Aitkin Basin and its potential as a water source for future astronauts.

US space plane ready for takeoff

NASA and the US company Sierra Space plan to launch the Dream Chaser spaceplane in 2024 on a ULA Vulcan Centaur rocket. Dream Chaser is a private reusable spaceplane designed to carry cargo and astronauts into low Earth orbit. The plane's first unmanned flight will be headed to the International Space Station (ISS). Dream Chaser is expected to carry more than 3,500 tons of cargo for the mission. It can also transport experimental samples, trash, and other cargo from the ISS back to Earth. If successful, Dream Chaser will be an important part of NASA's commercial resupply program.

Launched spacecraft to search for life on Jupiter's moon

NASA plans to launch the Europa Clipper to explore Jupiter's icy moon Europa, one of the solar system's biggest candidates for harboring life, in 2024. Europa Clipper is scheduled to launch in October 2024 aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket and arrive at Jupiter in April 2030. Once there, the car-sized craft will use radar to map Europa's icy crust and study its vast underground oceans.

Simulation of the Europa Clipper spacecraft. Photo: NASA/JPL-Caltech

Artemis 2 mission to return humans to the Moon

NASA's Artemis 2 mission, scheduled to last eight days, aims to return astronauts to the Moon after nearly 50 years. The mission, using a Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft, is scheduled to launch as early as November 2024. The spacecraft will carry four astronauts on a trip around the Moon. Flying at an altitude of about 10,300 km on the far side of the Moon, Artemis 2 will become the first crewed mission beyond low Earth orbit since Apollo 17 in 1972.

Thu Thao (According to Space )

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