Space travel - Maurer: Planned moon flights are an "opportunity for our generation"
Esa astronaut Matthias Maurer is hoping for a flight to the moon with the US-led Artemis missions. "These moon flights are our generation's chance. I would be delighted and will do everything I can to be ready," the European Space Agency (Esa) astronaut told the German Press Agency.
In the project, four astronauts will fly to the moon - two will remain in lunar orbit and two will land on the Earth's satellite. Europe is involved in the initiative. However, it remains to be seen what role Esa astronauts could play in the missions planned from 2025 - for example, whether a European will set foot on the moon for the first time.
"If I get close to the moon, that's the right direction," said Maurer. "Hopping around on it and exploring it scientifically would of course be the absolute jackpot." He is eagerly waiting to see if it works.
"Everyone who has this job is nervous," said the 53-year-old from Saarland. "Before my first space flight two years ago, I was much more impatient because I was waiting for this premiere. Now I'm more relaxed. But of course I want to fly again. Everyone is dragging their feet somewhere."
It could also be that someone else from the Esa squad flies with him - and he helps with the mission on the ground. "We are all team players. If I contribute to other Europeans flying to the moon, I've also done something," said Maurer - and added: "But being there myself would of course be one step better."
Matthias Maurer at Esa
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- Matthias Maurer, an Esa astronaut from Saarland, expressed his excitement about potential moon flights with the Artemis missions, viewing it as an opportunity for his generation.
- Cologne-based German Press Agency reported Maurer's sentiment, emphasizing Europe's involvement in the US-led space travel initiative, which includes planned moon flights from 2025 onwards.
- Maurer expressed his keen interest in any role he could play in these moon flights, mentioning the possibility of Esa astronauts setting foot on the moon for the first time.
- Saarbrücken-born Maurer shared his nervousness when it comes to space travel, admitting that even though he was more relaxed during his first space flight, he still craves a return trip to space.
- The matthias maurer-led Esa squad is a team-oriented group, with Maurer highlighting the possibility of assisting other Esa astronauts on the ground in order to help them fly to the moon.
- The European Space Agency, headquartered in Cologne, is closely monitoring the development of space travel initiatives, with a particular focus on potential German participation in future moon flights.
Source: www.stern.de
