By Susan Wise | Launch Pod: Space, Science, and Innovation
What does it take to walk on the Moon again—this time, to stay? On this episode of Launch Pod: Space, Science, and Innovation, retired NASA veteran Charles “Charlie” Armstrong joins host Susan Wise to talk about the Artemis Program, new spacesuit technology, lunar rovers, and how innovations from space are changing life on Earth.
With over 45 years at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, Armstrong’s career spans roles as a flight controller, astronaut trainer, and project manager. He now serves on NASA’s EVA and Human Surface Mobility Standing Review Board, helping shape the next era of human spaceflight.
From Skylab to Artemis: A Lifetime in Space
Charlie Armstrong’s journey with NASA began during the Skylab days in the late 1970s—when America’s first space station famously fell back to Earth. “I was an intern at the Johnson Space Center,” he recalls. “We called it ‘splatdown.’”
Fast-forward to today, and Armstrong is helping NASA prepare for humanity’s return to the Moon through the Artemis Program—the ambitious mission to establish a long-term human presence on the lunar surface and eventually reach Mars.
“NASA’s Artemis program has three main parts,” Armstrong explains. “The Orion spacecraft carries the crew. The Space Launch System (SLS) is the heavy-lift rocket that gets us there. And then there’s the human lander, which will take astronauts down to the lunar surface.”
Lunar Rovers: RVs on the Moon
Armstrong’s current consulting work focuses on lunar surface exploration—specifically extravehicular activity (EVA) and surface mobility.
“We have three contractors developing unpressurized lunar terrain vehicles, and the Japanese are providing a pressurized rover that astronauts can live in for up to 30 days,” he says.
Think of it as a high-tech RV on the Moon—a pressurized vehicle that lets astronauts drive, work, and sleep in relative comfort as they explore new regions of the lunar landscape.
Building a Better Spacesuit
The spacesuit that carried astronauts through the Space Shuttle era looks iconic—but it wasn’t designed for walking on the Moon.
“In zero gravity, you move with your hands and anchor your feet,” Armstrong explains. “On the Moon, you walk. The new suit needs to support weight differently, even in one-sixth gravity.”
NASA’s next-generation lunar spacesuit is being built for comfort, mobility, and safety—advances that will make future spacewalks more efficient and less physically demanding.
Why the Lunar South Pole Matters
Unlike Apollo’s equatorial landing sites, Artemis missions are targeting the Moon’s South Pole—a region shrouded in darkness and mystery.
“The Moon has almost no tilt, so sunlight barely grazes the horizon,” says Armstrong. “Some craters are in permanent shadow, and we believe water ice may exist there.”
If scientists confirm usable ice deposits, future missions could extract water, oxygen, and even rocket fuel directly from the lunar surface—a game changer for deep-space exploration.
Innovations from Space That Help Earth
NASA’s innovations often reach far beyond orbit.
“We recycle everything on the ISS—air, humidity, and yes, even coffee,” Armstrong laughs. “That same technology is used here on Earth to develop affordable water treatment systems in regions that need it most.”
From clean water technologies to advanced materials and robotics, the benefits of space research continue to improve everyday life across the globe.
Artemis II, III, and Beyond
The timeline for NASA’s next Moon missions is ambitious but achievable:
- Artemis I (completed): An uncrewed Orion spacecraft orbited the Moon.
- Artemis II (scheduled): A crewed flight around the Moon to test life-support systems.
- Artemis III (target 2028–2029): The first lunar landing since Apollo, aiming for the South Pole.
SpaceX’s Starship will serve as the lunar lander under NASA contract—another example of how public-private collaboration is reshaping the space industry.
“There’s so much opportunity now,” Armstrong notes. “You don’t have to work for NASA—companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Axiom Space are opening the door for anyone passionate about space.”
Lessons from a Lifetime in Spaceflight
When asked about his most memorable challenge, Armstrong recalls the early days of Shuttle EVA operations:
“Our first planned spacewalk failed—both suits malfunctioned. I swore it would never happen again. We simplified everything. Years later, when a suit display failed during an EVA, the astronaut finished safely using only a watch and a pressure gauge. That was my ‘yes’ moment.”
His takeaway? Preparation, adaptability, and teamwork are universal—whether you’re in Mission Control or on the Moon.
The Next Giant Leap
As NASA prepares to return humans to the Moon for the first time in over 50 years, veterans like Charles Armstrong remind us that exploration is both a technological and human endeavor.
“It’s been great fun,” Armstrong says. “There’s still so much to discover.”
So when will we return to the Moon—and who will it be? If all goes as planned, the answer could come before the end of the decade.
Until then, as Susan Wise signs off:
“Keep looking up.”
🔭 Key Takeaways
- NASA’s Artemis Program aims to return humans to the Moon by 2028–2029.
- New lunar rovers and spacesuits are being designed for long-term exploration.
- The lunar South Pole may hold valuable water ice for future missions.
- Technologies developed for spaceflight have direct benefits on Earth, from clean water to renewable energy systems.
- Private companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin are accelerating innovation in space exploration.
