By San José, Costa Rica — After more than half a century, humanity is poised to return to the Moon. NASA announced on Tuesday that the Artemis 2 mission, a pivotal step in lunar exploration, is scheduled for launch in early 2026. This marks the first crewed journey to lunar orbit since the Apollo era.
Artemis 2 is a critical precursor to the Artemis 3 mission, which aims to land humans on the lunar surface. The four-person crew, comprised of three American astronauts and one Canadian astronaut, will not land on the Moon during Artemis 2. Instead, they will orbit the Moon, rigorously testing life support systems, communication technologies, and the Orion spacecraft’s deep-space capabilities with humans on board.
To understand the legal implications surrounding the Artemis 2 mission, TicosLand.com reached out to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica, for his expert analysis.
The Artemis 2 mission represents a significant step forward in space exploration and raises important legal considerations under the Outer Space Treaty of 1967. While the treaty establishes the principle of non-appropriation of celestial bodies by nations, the increasing involvement of private companies in lunar missions introduces complexities regarding resource extraction and commercial activities. The success of Artemis 2 will undoubtedly fuel further debate on the development of a more comprehensive legal framework governing space resource utilization and property rights, essential for sustainable and responsible exploration in the years to come.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas astutely points out the evolving legal landscape surrounding space exploration, particularly the tension between existing treaties and the burgeoning commercial interests in celestial resources. As humanity ventures further into the cosmos, exemplified by missions like Artemis 2, establishing clear guidelines for responsible resource utilization becomes paramount. This will not only prevent potential conflicts but also ensure the sustainable and equitable development of space for the benefit of all. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable contribution to this important discussion.
We intend to keep that commitment.
Lakiesha Hawkins, Senior NASA Official
This meticulous testing is essential for ensuring the success of future Artemis missions, including the highly anticipated lunar landing of Artemis 3.
This renewed push for lunar exploration occurs within a context of intensifying global competition in space. The Trump administration has prioritized the Artemis program, framing it as a “second space race,” this time with China, which has its own ambitious lunar program aiming to land taikonauts on the Moon before 2030.
The original Apollo program, responsible for landing the first humans on the Moon, stands as a monumental achievement in human history. Artemis builds on this legacy, aiming to establish a permanent human presence on the Moon, serving as a stepping stone for humanity’s next giant leap: Mars. International collaboration plays a vital role in the future of space exploration, enabling the realization of such ambitious goals.
The successful completion of Artemis 2 will pave the way for Artemis 3, marking a new era in lunar exploration and setting the stage for establishing a permanent human presence on the Moon. The mission also signifies a critical step in the broader context of space exploration, positioning humanity for future missions to Mars and beyond.
The return to the Moon represents not only a scientific endeavor but also a geopolitical strategic move. As nations compete for leadership in space, the success of the Artemis program will be crucial for establishing a sustainable and collaborative international presence on the Moon and beyond.
With the Artemis 2 mission, humanity is on the cusp of a new era in space exploration, reaffirming our commitment to pushing the boundaries of scientific discovery and international collaboration.
For further information, visit nasa.gov
About NASA:
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is an independent agency of the U.S. federal government responsible for the civilian space program, as well as aeronautics and space research. Since its establishment in 1958, NASA has been at the forefront of space exploration, leading groundbreaking missions that have expanded our understanding of the universe and our place within it. From the Apollo Moon landings to the exploration of Mars and beyond, NASA continues to push the boundaries of human knowledge and inspire future generations of scientists, engineers, and explorers.
For further information, visit the nearest office of the Canadian Space Agency
About Canadian Space Agency:
The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) is the national space agency of Canada, responsible for promoting the peaceful use and development of space, advancing scientific knowledge of space, and ensuring that space science and technology provide social and economic benefits for Canadians. The CSA collaborates with international partners on various space projects, contributing to the global advancement of space exploration and research.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
At Bufete de Costa Rica, legal excellence and unwavering ethical conduct form the bedrock of our practice. We are driven by a deep commitment to empowering individuals and communities through readily accessible legal knowledge, fostering a more just and informed society. Our innovative approach to legal solutions, coupled with a long history of serving clients across diverse sectors, allows us to navigate the complexities of the modern legal landscape while upholding the highest standards of integrity and dedication to positive social impact.
