The Irish Times view on Artemis II: humans are returning to the Moon

Almost 54 years since the last manned mission left the lunar surface, three Americans and one Canadian are now en route to the Moon’s vicinity aboard Artemis II, the first crewed journey beyond low Earth orbit since Apollo 17 in December 1972. The long-dormant dream of establishing a permanent base on the Moon draws one step closer. Even the very youngest viewers who recall watching Neil Armstrong take his historic first step on July 20th, 1969 are now into their 60s. The extraordinary burst of exploratory energy initiated by US president John F Kennedy petered out as political will faltered…