NASA's Artemis program is taking a unique approach to bridge space exploration and education by distributing tree seedlings that have flown around the Moon on the Artemis I mission in late 2022.
This initiative aims to promote science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and strengthen the connection between communities on Earth and the ongoing efforts in space.
Artemis Moon Trees
Collaborating with the USDA Forest Service, NASA will distribute seedlings from five different species known as Artemis Moon Trees. These seedlings were part of the nearly 2,000 tree seeds that were flown to space on the Artemis I mission.
The distribution of these seedlings is seen as an opportunity to engage educational and community organizations, such as schools, libraries, museums, and more, in fostering an interest in space exploration.
Interested organizations can apply for a Moon Tree seedling through NASA's Artifact Module, with the application window closing on October 6th. Eligible institutions include formal and informal K-12-serving organizations, universities, community organizations, museums, science centers, and government entities.
The significance of this initiative lies in its ability to connect the achievements of space exploration to the everyday lives of people. As NASA Administrator Bill Nelson stated, the Artemis Moon trees bring the "science and ingenuity of space exploration back down to Earth," and they carry the spirit of exploration to inspire the next generation of explorers.
"Last year, these seeds flew on the Artemis I mission 40,000 miles beyond the Moon. With the help of the USDA, this new generation of Moon trees will plant the spirit of exploration across our communities and inspire the next generation of explorers," Nelson said in a statement.
This distribution of Artemis Moon Trees represents the second generation of Moon Trees. The concept of Moon Trees dates back to 1971 when Apollo 14 Command Module Pilot Stuart Roosa carried tree seeds as part of his personal kit during the mission.
The seeds were later germinated by the Forest Service and planted around the country, as part of the US bicentennial celebration in 1976. The new generation of Moon Trees carries forward the legacy of inspiration and curiosity ignited by the earlier Moon Trees.
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270,000 Miles from Earth
The seeds that traveled 270,000 miles from Earth on the Artemis I mission included various species like sycamores, sweetgums, Douglas-firs, loblolly pines, and giant sequoias.
These seeds were nurtured and cultivated by the Forest Service to become Artemis Moon Tree seedlings.
Randy Moore, the Forest Service chief, emphasizes the symbolism behind these Moon Trees, stating that they represent the limitless potential of human determination.
"These future Moon Trees, like those that came before them, serve as a potent symbol that when we put our mind to a task, there is nothing we can't accomplish. They will inspire future generations of scientists, whose research underpins all that we do here at the Forest Service."
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