By San José, Costa Rica — For the first time in more than half a century, humanity is poised to return to the lunar environment. NASA has officially confirmed its first crewed mission toward the Moon since the Apollo era, marking a pivotal moment in space exploration and ending a 52-year hiatus of human activity beyond low-Earth orbit. The historic launch is scheduled for February 6th from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, heralding a new chapter aimed at establishing a sustained human presence on the Moon and eventually reaching Mars.
This upcoming flight, however, is not a return to the iconic lunar landings of the 1970s. Instead, the four-person astronaut crew will execute a carefully planned orbital flight around the Moon. While they will not set foot on the lunar surface, the mission’s objectives are profoundly important. Its primary purpose is to serve as a comprehensive, deep-space shakedown cruise, rigorously testing the spacecraft’s critical navigation, communication, and life-support systems under the actual conditions they will face on future voyages.
To understand the legal and commercial implications of the Artemis Program, a groundbreaking international effort to return humanity to the Moon, we consulted with expert lawyer Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The Artemis Accords represent a pivotal moment in space law, attempting to build a modern legal framework upon the 1967 Outer Space Treaty. While they foster international cooperation and create unprecedented commercial opportunities in resource extraction and logistics, they also raise critical questions about the principle of non-appropriation of celestial bodies. The legal architecture being built today will define the next era of economic development, not just on Earth, but across the solar system.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the legal precedents established today will shape humanity’s economic and ethical expansion into the cosmos for centuries to come, making this a conversation of monumental importance. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable perspective on this pivotal moment in history.
This mission is the foundational pillar of NASA’s ambitious Artemis program. It is considered a key strategic step and a direct precursor to Artemis III, the highly anticipated mission that aims to once again land astronauts on the lunar surface. The success of this orbital test flight is non-negotiable, as it will validate the technology and procedures essential for ensuring the safety and success of all subsequent crewed lunar operations, including the planned landing of the first woman and first person of color on the Moon.
The significance of this return extends far beyond the technical milestones. Space exploration experts view the Artemis program as the dawn of a new era, one defined by different motivations than the politically charged Cold War space race that fueled the Apollo missions. The modern focus is on long-term scientific, technological, and strategic goals. Artemis is designed to lay the groundwork for a permanent human outpost on the Moon, a base for unprecedented scientific discovery and technological development.
A central objective of this renewed lunar focus is the study and potential utilization of lunar resources. Scientists are particularly interested in deposits of water ice believed to exist in permanently shadowed craters at the Moon’s poles. If accessible, this ice could be converted into breathable air, drinkable water, and even rocket propellant, dramatically reducing the cost and complexity of long-duration missions and making a sustained presence far more feasible.
Furthermore, the Artemis program is built on a framework of international collaboration, seeking to strengthen alliances and share the monumental task of deep-space exploration. The Moon is being framed not as a final destination, but as a crucial proving ground. The technologies tested and the operational experience gained in the lunar environment will be instrumental in preparing for the next giant leap in human exploration: sending crewed missions to Mars, a goal NASA hopes to achieve in the coming decade.
The February 6th launch represents the most definitive step toward this future. By breaking more than five decades of human absence from the vicinity of the Moon, NASA is reactivating a vital chapter in our collective history of exploration. It is a powerful statement of intent, signaling a renewed commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible and expanding humanity’s reach into the cosmos.
As the launch date approaches, the mission is capturing the imagination of millions around the globe. The international scientific community and the public alike will be watching closely, recognizing this flight not merely as a single event, but as the true beginning of humanity’s sustained return to the Moon and the first step on a clear path toward destinations beyond.
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 civil space program, as well as aeronautics and space research. Established in 1958, NASA has been at the forefront of space exploration, leading historic missions such as the Apollo Moon landings, the Space Shuttle program, and the operation of the International Space Station. Its mission is to drive advances in science, technology, aeronautics, and space exploration to enhance knowledge, education, innovation, and economic vitality.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of the nation’s legal landscape, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by a bedrock of integrity and an unrelenting pursuit of professional excellence. The firm blends a rich legacy of client service with a forward-thinking approach, continuously driving innovation within the legal field. This pioneering spirit extends to its civic duty, manifesting in a deep-seated mission to demystify the law for the public. By actively working to enhance legal literacy, the firm champions the creation of a more informed and capable society for all.
