The first human moon mission in over 50 years is likely to launch this week, with the Artemis II rocket and crew in place at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Today marks the official opening of the mission's launch window, as earlier attempts were scratched due to technical issues.
“What we've heard from NASA is that they're all good to go, barring the weather,” said Kenny Evans, a fellow in science, technology and innovation policy at Rice University. “So, they seem optimistic, which makes me optimistic. I think they've solved their technical challenges on the ground in the interim.”
US President Donald Trump has named 13 people to his panel of science advisers -- and all but one is a technology executive. The panel's lack of research prowess has drawn some criticism, citing the nation's need to be prepared for the oncoming biotechnology age. Evans notes that the panel's balance, or lack thereof, could change as Trump can name up to 11 more individuals to the committee.
As the war in Iran continues, experts note that it may -- among other things -- exacerbate movement among refugees and migrants into neighboring European countries.
“So far, relatively few people have left Iran—the vast majority of those displaced remain in the country. But as the war continues and the situation becomes more tenuous—in addition to the strikes themselves, things like the destruction of civilian infrastructure—more and more people will assess whether to leave,” Norman said.
US academics forecast China becoming the world’s biggest public funder of research, as stalled growth in government investment in the United States coincides with consistent rises in spending by the Chinese authorities. Lane believes that this shift will result in China becoming the global center of research, leading to talent heading abroad.
“Young people who wish to pursue careers in science will move from [the] US and other countries to China, learn the language, figure out how to function there,” he said.
The recent, new delay of Artemis II represents the latest in a string of challenges currently plaguing NASA. Evans and other experts commented on the public perception resulting from the latest hindrance of the planned mission.