Marking the Anniversary of Artemis: A New Chapter in Lunar Exploration

Today we commemorate the anniversary of NASA’s Artemis mission—America’s bold return to the Moon. As we look ahead to a new era of exploration, we also honor the legacy that made it possible.

The image shown here is from the historic Apollo 11 mission. It captures astronaut Buzz Aldrin descending the ladder of the Lunar Module “Eagle” on July 20, 1969, moments before becoming the second human to set foot on the Moon. The photograph was taken by mission commander Neil Armstrong, the first person to walk on the lunar surface.

Artemis is more than a return. It is a launchpad for the future—testing the systems that will eventually take us to Mars, establishing a sustainable lunar presence, and creating new opportunities for scientific discovery and global cooperation.

As members and supporters of the Air & Space Forces Association, we recognize the vision and determination behind every mission. From Apollo to Artemis, we celebrate the people—military and civilian—who make spaceflight possible and push the boundaries of what’s next.

Let Artemis serve as a reminder: Our reach does not end at Earth’s orbit. It stretches across the stars.