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A Hands-On Manual for Revamping NASA’s Underperforming Artemis Initiative

# The Prospects of NASA’s Artemis Initiative: A Journey Toward Achievement or Defeat?

NASA’s Artemis Initiative, which aspires to bring humans back to the Moon and create a lasting presence there, is encountering major obstacles. Although the dream of placing astronauts on the lunar landscape and eventually sending people to Mars is compelling, the program is being stretched by financial limitations and conflicting priorities. A flat or even decreased budget for NASA exacerbates these challenges, and it seems unlikely that the agency will receive substantial funding increases in the near future. Consequently, NASA is attempting to accomplish too much with insufficient resources, which threatens the viability of the entire initiative.

## The Dilemma with Artemis

The Artemis Initiative is ambitious, but its scale has surpassed what NASA can feasibly handle with its current financial resources. Signs of this strain are already apparent. NASA has been forced to make tough decisions, such as reducing funding for its scientific endeavors to finance Artemis. For instance, the Chandra X-ray Observatory, an essential instrument for examining the universe, has faced significant budget cuts, and the VIPER mission, aimed at investigating lunar resources, has been scrapped. These trade-offs are being made to manage the escalating expenses of Artemis, but they come at a considerable cost to NASA’s broader scientific objectives.

If NASA persists on this trajectory, the Artemis Initiative may be destined to fail. Much like a frog unaware of the boiling water, the agency might not recognize the peril until it’s too late. The initiative risks turning unsustainable, both from a financial and operational standpoint, unless significant adjustments are implemented.

## A Clear Strategy for Achievement

Fortunately, a solution exists. It may not enjoy widespread political favor, and it will necessitate making some challenging choices. However, for Artemis to thrive, these decisions must be undertaken. The primary losers in this scenario would be major contractors such as Boeing and SpaceX, along with two NASA field centers: Marshall Space Flight Center and Johnson Space Center. Nevertheless, the enduring success of the Artemis Initiative—and NASA’s overarching aims—hinges on making these difficult decisions.

Two vital strategic objectives are at stake. First, NASA risks lagging behind in the race back to the Moon against China, Russia, and their allies. This situation is not merely a question of national pride; it carries significant geopolitical ramifications. Second, NASA risks sacrificing a viable lunar program for one that is unsustainable in the long run. If Artemis becomes prohibitively expensive, it will be hard to sustain, and the vision of a lasting human presence on the Moon could fade away.

Considering this context, here are the main policy actions that should be taken to reinforce the Artemis Initiative in both the immediate and extended future:

1. **Eliminate the Lunar Gateway**
2. **Abolish the Block 1B upgrade of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket**
3. **Appoint Centaur V as the new upper stage for the SLS rocket**

Let’s examine each of these suggestions in more detail.

### 1. Eliminate the Lunar Gateway

The Lunar Gateway is a suggested space station that would orbit the Moon and function as a launchpad for missions to the lunar surface. The concept was developed over a decade ago, primarily due to the SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft lacking a clear endpoint. The SLS and Orion, in their current form, do not possess sufficient capability to place the spacecraft into low-lunar orbit and subsequently return to Earth. The Gateway was envisioned as a workaround to this issue, acting as a midpoint between Earth and the Moon.

However, the Lunar Gateway is an expensive and superfluous addition to the Artemis Initiative. It complicates mission design and siphons resources away from the fundamental aim of landing humans on the lunar surface. By abolishing the Gateway, NASA could release billions of dollars that would be more wisely allocated toward developing lunar landers, surface habitats, and other essential infrastructure.

Additionally, the Gateway is not crucial for lunar exploration. NASA can fulfill its objectives without it by concentrating on direct missions to the lunar surface. The Gateway introduces complexity and expense without delivering substantial advantages. Cancelling it would simplify the Artemis Initiative and enhance its sustainability over the long run.

### 2. Abolish the Block 1B Upgrade of the SLS Rocket

The Space Launch System (SLS) is NASA’s heavy-lift vehicle, intended to transport astronauts and cargo to the Moon and beyond. The Block 1 variant of the SLS is already under development and is scheduled for use in the initial Artemis missions. However, NASA has intentions to create a more powerful version of the rocket, known as Block 1B, which would include an improved upper stage.

The Block 1B upgrade is unneeded and expensive. The Block 1 variant of the SLS is already capable of executing the Artemis missions, and the added performance offered by Block 1B is not commensurate with the substantial investment required to develop it. By eliminating the Block 1B upgrade, NASA could conserve billions of dollars and direct efforts toward refining the Block

“Chevy Bolt Driver Amazed by the Efficiency of Tesla Superchargers”

# Charging a Chevy Bolt at a Tesla Supercharger: The Experience and Challenges

As electric vehicles (EVs) gain popularity, the supporting infrastructure is improving quickly. Nonetheless, one of the significant hurdles for EV owners outside of Tesla has been the limited access to Tesla’s expansive Supercharger network. With Tesla’s exclusive charging standard, the North American Charging Standard (NACS), usually not compatible with other EVs, many users have had to seek other options. However, with the introduction of adapters and Tesla’s gradual accessibility of its Supercharger network to additional EVs, the situation is shifting. This article examines the process of charging a Chevy Bolt at a Tesla Supercharger with an adapter, emphasizing both the advantages and the difficulties.

## The Proof is in the Plugging

The concept of utilizing Tesla’s Supercharger network to power a non-Tesla EV is appealing, especially with the widespread presence and dependability of Tesla chargers. However, the procedure is not as simple as arriving and connecting. This is where adapters are crucial, closing the gap between Tesla’s NACS and the Combined Charging System (CCS) that many other EVs, including the Chevy Bolt, utilize.

### The Adapter: A2Z Typhoon Pro

To facilitate this charging experience, I acquired the

Man Devotes Ten Years to Smuggling, Cloning, and Inseminating to Produce Massive Sheep

### The Controversial Case of Argali Cloning: A Narrative of Science, Illegality, and Impacts

In a tale that interweaves groundbreaking biotechnology with legal and ethical complexities, the instance of Schubarth and his cloned Marco Polo argali sheep has drawn the interest of both wildlife advocates and law enforcement. What commenced as a bold initiative to clone and propagate a rare species of wild sheep quickly developed into a federal inquiry, leading to allegations of animal trafficking and conspiracy.

#### The Initiation: Cloning Marco Polo Argali

The Marco Polo argali (*Ovis ammon polii*), a subspecies of wild sheep indigenous to Central Asia, is famous for its enormous, spiral horns and is highly sought after by trophy hunters. As its population dwindles, the species gains protection under international conservation regulations, rendering it unlawful to trade or transport them without appropriate permits.

Schubarth, a rancher hailing from Montana, perceived an opportunity in the rare and magnificent argali. In January 2013, he entered into a “cell storage agreement” with an undisclosed cloning company, dispatching somatic cells from an argali for future cloning storage. The cells were likely taken from a Marco Polo argali specimen, though their exact source remains ambiguous. However, it was not until 2015 that Schubarth advanced further, entering into an “Ovine Cloning Contract” with the same company. This agreement stipulated a $4,200 deposit, implying that financial limitations could have postponed the endeavor.

By 2016, Schubarth acquired 165 cloned argali embryos at his Montana ranch, marking a pivotal point in his ambition to breed the rare species. In the following year, 2017, the first pure Marco Polo argali sheep was born on his property. Schubarth named the sheep “Montana Mountain King,” an apt designation for an animal symbolizing the results of years of dedication and investment.

#### The Cloning and Breeding Enterprise

Schubarth’s aspirations extended beyond cloning just one argali. He recognized the opportunity for a profitable enterprise in breeding and marketing the genetic material of his esteemed sheep. Before long, he was collecting semen from Montana Mountain King, which he used to inseminate local ewes. The objective was to produce hybrid sheep that were larger and more impressive, appealing to the trophy hunting audience.

Schubarth’s operation grew swiftly. He began sending “straws” of semen to clients in Texas and permitted ranchers from various regions to bring their sheep to Montana for insemination. The hybrid offspring, comprising both domestic sheep and the cloned argali, were aimed to be bigger and more attractive for hunters. Nonetheless, this practice was surrounded by legal and ethical challenges.

#### The Legal and Ethical Dilemma

The breeding and marketing of hybrid sheep for hunting purposes raised numerous concerns. Primarily, Schubarth’s activities contravened both state and federal wildlife regulations. The Marco Polo argali is recognized as a protected species under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), with any attempt to trade or transport the species—or its genetic material—without requisite permits being illegal.

Schubarth was fully aware of the legal obstacles. He even sought special permission from the state of Montana to retain argali sheep, but when the state rejected his appeal, he proceeded with his venture regardless. To ease the sale and transport of semen and hybrid sheep, Schubarth forged documents, creating the illusion that his undertakings were legitimate.

The magnitude of the operation and the blatant disregard for legalities ultimately drew the scrutiny of federal officials. In early 2024, Schubarth faced charges for animal trafficking and conspiracy. The allegations were significant, as they encompassed not only the unlawful cloning and breeding of a protected species but also the falsification of documents and the trafficking of genetic material across state borders.

#### The Aftermath: Legal Repercussions and Regret

When federal agents swooped down on Schubarth’s ranch, they encountered a sophisticated operation featuring cloned and hybrid sheep. Genetic testing validated the presence of Marco Polo argali DNA, necessitating the quarantine or removal of the animals as required. Schubarth’s treasured Montana Mountain King was seized, and some animals on the ranch were euthanized. However, in a gesture of compassion, the government provided the meat from the euthanized animals to families in need across Montana.

Schubarth pleaded guilty to the charges and, as stated by the government, “showed remorse and has been cooperative” throughout the inquiry. He permitted officials to access his ranch and assisted with genetic testing and the removal of the animals. Despite his cooperation, the legal repercussions were inescapable. Recently, Schubarth received a six-month prison sentence, along with a $20,000 fine and a $4,000 payment to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.

Toxic substances from the Ohio train derailment lingered in structures for several months.

### Toxic Chemicals from Ohio Train Derailment Persisted in Buildings for Months: Key Insights from East Palestine

In February 2024, the quaint town of East Palestine, Ohio, drew significant national scrutiny following a catastrophic train derailment that resulted in the discharge of toxic chemicals into the environment. The incident not only polluted local water supplies but also triggered prolonged air contamination, adversely impacting the health and safety of community members and workers in the vicinity. This article explores the findings of an investigation led by Andrew J. Whelton, a Professor of Civil, Environmental, and Ecological Engineering at Purdue University, which underscores the enduring repercussions of the chemical spill and provides valuable guidance for future disaster response.

#### Aeration Equipment: A Mixed Blessing

In the wake of the derailment, contractors deployed aeration equipment along polluted creeks to infuse air into the water. This action aimed to bolster oxygen levels for aquatic organisms. However, the apparatus unintentionally discharged harmful chemicals from the water into the air. Residents close to the aerators reported pervasive strong odors permeating their residences and experienced various health issues, including breathing difficulties and migraines.

The research indicated that air pollution levels near these aerators were 2 to 25 times greater than those in surrounding areas. During the four-month investigation, rainfall and the manipulation of water flow by contractors agitated the creeks, releasing an increased quantity of chemicals into the atmosphere.

#### Insights for Future Disasters: Safeguarding Public Health

The East Palestine incident yields vital lessons for municipalities and authorities in handling chemical spills and other environmental crises. A crucial takeaway is the necessity for an **exposure pathway diagram** promptly following a chemical event. Such diagrams can assist communities in visualizing potential hazards, whether from airborne pollutants or underground channels, and help identify regions needing testing and safety protocols.

Moreover, **ongoing medical observation** is vital for individuals exposed to harmful chemicals. In East Palestine, numerous residents, workers, and visitors experienced illness; however, governmental testing was inadequate in determining the exact origins of these health concerns. The study advocates for sustained health monitoring for those impacted, particularly those who inhabited or worked in contaminated premises.

#### Indoor and Outdoor Contamination: A Lingering Issue

The study also stresses the enduring dangers posed by indoor pollution. Comparable to the effects of **wildfire smoke**, chemicals from the derailment can persist within structures for extended periods. Professional decontamination is crucial to eradicate these toxins from both the interior and exterior of contaminated buildings. Without adequate cleaning, chemicals may continue to emit into the air, leading to persistent health threats.

A notable illustration of contamination’s durability was noted in a creek in East Palestine, where a chemical sheen remained visible on the water’s surface over a month after the derailment.

#### Deficiencies in Monitoring and Response

One of the most concerning revelations from the study was the insufficiency of the air testing devices utilized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Months after approving portable air monitors for residential screening, the EPA recognized that these devices were unable to reliably identify **butyl acrylate**, one of the chemicals released during the derailment, at levels that could pose health risks. Additionally, not all chemicals emitted during the disaster were subjected to monitoring within buildings, resulting in gaps in the understanding of the full extent of contamination.

To rectify these deficiencies, the study suggests enlisting **external specialists** with expertise in chemical exposure and emergency response. These professionals can provide the necessary insight to ensure that all potential hazards are recognized and addressed.

#### Conclusion: A Demand for Enhanced Preparedness

The East Palestine train derailment stands as a poignant reminder of the enduring effects that chemical spills can impose on communities. While the initial response primarily concentrated on cleaning contaminated water, the study emphasizes the necessity of addressing air pollution and indoor contamination as well. Looking ahead, communities must advocate for more thorough testing and long-term health monitoring in the aftermath of such incidents.

Furthermore, improved tools and policies are essential to swiftly recognize and mitigate chemical exposures. By learning from the oversights observed in East Palestine, future disaster management efforts can be more successful in safeguarding public health and ensuring the safety of affected populations.

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*This article is based on research conducted by Andrew J. Whelton, Professor of Civil, Environmental, and Ecological Engineering at Purdue University. It is republished from [The Conversation](https://theconversation.com) under a Creative Commons license. Read the