Because NASA has Two Japanese astronauts selected Speculation is rife as to which other countries will get tickets to walk on the moon to participate in Artemis’ mission to the moon. Recent world events and the technological acumen of countries in the region suggest that the next non-American moonwalker should come from the Middle East.
A few years ago, I proposed an Artemis mission to the moon that would include Israeli and UAE astronauts. Abraham Accords Establish peace between the Jewish state and some Islamic countries.
Both Israel and the UAE have strong technology sectors, especially aerospace.
Both countries have sent probes into space.Israel tried to land on the moon but failed Beresheet Mission. Currently attempting a tracking mission. Beresheet 2. UAE included: rashid lunar rover In a failed iSpace Hakuto-R M1 We plan to carry out the mission and dispatch Rashid-2 To the moon.a UAE probe “Hope” It is currently orbiting Mars.
Israel and the UAE have flown astronauts on NASA missions.israeli astronaut Ilan Ramon He died during the Columbia space shuttle mission in 2003. UAE astronaut Sultan Alneyadi Spent a six-month tour on the International Space Station.
Both countries have made valuable contributions to the Artemis program. Israel provided Anti-radiation vest It was tested on the Artemis I mission. UAE is under construction airlock For the Lunar Gateway Space Station.
The Artemis mission, which will include Israeli and Arab astronauts, will ensure that for all peoples in the Middle East, Jews and Arabs alike, peaceful relations, not endless conflict, are the path to prosperity and technological progress. This will send a powerful message to this region.
As I previously suggested, the landing site could be flown with the American, Israeli, and UAE flags side by side, evoking the image of Buzz Aldrin’s iconic American flag salute during his moonwalk.
Recent events in the Middle East and the global response to them suggest that a joint American-Israeli-Arab mission to the moon is needed now more than ever.
Events in the Middle East triggered by Hamas terrorist attacks October 7th sparked worldwide protests. The recent protests are not against the atrocities committed that day, but against Israel’s response, which aims to destroy Hamas and rescue as many hostages as possible.
The actions of the protesters are “ceasefire” repeating slogans (i.e. for Israel to stop destroying Hamas) call for annihilation of the state of israel 9 million people. The latter was carried out by many of the same people who accused Israel of committing “genocide” in Gaza.
The situation has reportedly gotten so bad that there are protests on some Ivy League university campuses. physically threatened and I was even assaulted Jewish students.
Much of the problem stems from the ignorance of many protesters about Israel, its history, and culture. They have probably never been to Israel or interacted peacefully with the people of Israel. The book, “genius of israel” includes a chapter on the country’s space program and is an excellent source of information about the modern Jewish state.
Ignorance isn’t just caused by misinformation on social media. News media rarely report on Israel outside of its conflict with the Palestinians. Israel is a much more complex and fascinating country than many people on both sides realize.Space, government and commercial sectors particularly lively For such a small country.
NASA’s mission does not include solving problems in the Middle East. But the participation of Israeli and Arab astronauts on the Artemis lunar exploration flight could force the media to focus on the positive aspects of Israel’s relations with its Arab neighbors. .
Israel was called “Emerging countries” and “Silicon Valley of the Middle East”. Our relationships with most neighbors are as trade and security partners, not as adversaries, and certainly not as oppressors.
For Israel and its Arab states, making money, not war, is the rule. Recent Israel-UAE free trade agreement indicates. This is something that the young people who are causing this mayhem, not to mention the Palestinians they claim to support, should keep in mind.
The joint American-Israeli-Arab Artemis moon exploration program may help them do so, and help the Middle East and beyond realize that a better future is possible.
Mark R. Whittington, who writes frequently about space policy, writes,Why is it so difficult to return to the moon?” Similarly “To the moon, Mars and beyond”, and more recently”Why will America return to the moon?” He blogs at: Karma John’s Corner.
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