Apollo 16 Astronaut Backs NASA's Artemis Lunar Program

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Apollo 16 astronaut Charlie Duke, one of only 12 people to walk on the Moon, is voicing his support for NASA's Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the lunar surface. Duke described the new mission as a 'great adventure' and sees it as the start of a permanent human presence on the Moon.

Why it matters

Duke's endorsement of the Artemis program carries significant weight, given his firsthand experience as part of the historic Apollo 16 mission in 1972. His positive outlook on the new lunar exploration efforts could help generate public enthusiasm and support for NASA's ambitious plans to establish a long-term human presence on the Moon.

The details

Artemis II, the next mission in the Artemis program, will carry four astronauts on NASA's first lunar flyby in more than 50 years, continuing the journey that Duke helped pioneer during the Apollo era.

• Charlie Duke walked on the Moon as part of the Apollo 16 mission in 1972.
• Artemis II, the next mission in the Artemis program, is scheduled to carry four astronauts on a lunar flyby in the coming years.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The Artemis II mission, which will send four astronauts on a lunar flyby, is the next step in NASA's plan to return humans to the Moon as part of the Artemis program.