Artemis II vs Apollo 17: NASA Moon Missions Comparison

NASA has successfully launched Artemis II, marking humanity’s return to lunar exploration for the first time since 1972. The Orion spacecraft, carrying four astronauts, is on a historic journey around the Moon. This mission will test spacecraft systems in deep space and gather crucial data to prepare for future crewed lunar landings. It continues the legacy of Apollo 17, the last mission in which humans walked on the Moon. Artemis II also demonstrates modern technology and a diverse crew venturing farther than humans have traveled in more than fifty years. 

On the occasion, here’s a detailed comparison between Artemis II and Apollo 17, focusing on their goals, spacecraft, crew, technology, and mission context: 

Goals of Artemis II and Apollo 17

Artemis II:

Artemis II is NASA’s first planned mission to take astronauts around the Moon without landing. The main goal is to test the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and the Orion spacecraft in deep space with humans on board. The crew will also practice important mission operations to prepare for the future Artemis III lunar landing. This historic mission will mark humanity’s return to deep space exploration beyond Earth.

Apollo 17:

Apollo 17 was the last mission of the Apollo program, and its goal was to land astronauts on the Moon in the Taurus–Littrow region. During the mission, the crew explored the lunar surface, set up experiments, and collected rocks and soil to help scientists learn more about the Moon. It is still the last time humans have walked on the Moon. This mission provided some of the most detailed scientific data and photographs of the lunar surface ever collected.

Technology behind Artemis II and Apollo 17

Artemis II:

Artemis II will carry astronauts in the Orion capsule. It will be launched using the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket. Unlike Apollo 17, this mission will only fly around the Moon and will not land. The spacecraft has modern technology. It includes advanced computer systems, touchscreen controls, better life support, and improved protection from space radiation to keep the crew safe.

Apollo 17:

Apollo 17 used the Apollo Command/Service Module (CSM) and the Lunar Module “Challenger” to land astronauts on the Moon. The mission was launched using the Saturn V rocket. The spacecraft had 1970s technology, with simple analog systems, limited computing power, and mechanical instruments. This reflected the technology available at that time.

Crew Members of Artemis II vs. Apollo 17

Artemis II: 

The mission carries a four-person crew from NASA and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA):

• Reid Wiseman (Commander): NASA, United States
• Victor Glover (Pilot): NASA, United States; first person of color to travel near the Moon
• Christina Koch (Mission Specialist): NASA, United States; first woman to fly to the Moon’s vicinity
• Jeremy Hansen (Mission Specialist): Canadian Space Agency, Canada; first non-American to travel near the Moon

Apollo 17:

The Apollo 17 mission consisted of a three-person crew:

• Eugene A. Cernan (Commander): Last person to walk on the Moon
• Harrison H. “Jack” Schmitt (Lunar Module Pilot): Geologist; first professional scientist to land on the Moon
• Ronald E. Evans (Command Module Pilot): Stayed in lunar orbit aboard the Command Module America

Mission Duration and Distance of Artemis II vs. Apollo 17

Artemis II:

The mission is expected to last about 10 days. It will travel roughly the same distance to the Moon as the Apollo missions, approximately 384,000 km (238,855 miles).

Apollo 17: 

The mission lasted 12 days in total. The crew spent around 75 hours on the lunar surface. 

Apollo 17 was a mission to land on the Moon and conduct scientific research. It was the last time humans walked on the lunar surface. Artemis II will not land on the Moon. It is a test mission that will take astronauts around the Moon to check spacecraft systems and practice for future lunar landings. The spacecraft is modern, and the crew is more diverse.