The Artemis II mission concluded on April 10, 2026, being launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida and eventually landing off the coast of San Diego.
This mission featured a diverse crew including commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover (who is also a Chaffey Joint Union High School District alumn), mission specialist Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen, a mission specialist from Canada. According to NASA, the mission was a test to eventually make a return to the moon and prepare for future missions to Mars.
According to MSN, the mission was estimated to cost over $4 billion. The Artemis program is largely responsible for funding missions such as Artemis II. They largely collect money from the U.S. government, which uses American taxpayers’ money, and international private companies.
Despite the mission’s success, this information on the cost of the whole project has sparked conversation among students at Rancho Cucamonga High School.
Students on campus argue that instead of spending taxpayer money on space travel, the government and other private companies should reallocate funds towards improvements on Earth.
Senior Marissa Mejia discussed how, instead of investing in space missions, the government and private companies could possibly invest in climate change, healthcare, and housing.
“Going to space is, to me personally, not a good use of the people’s money. I feel like there should be more money being put into the environment or helping people in this country,” senior Marissa Mejia said.
Mejia’s perspective highlights a rise in people’s frustration with the cost of space travel, seeing their hard-earned money being used for something that can’t benefit them in their daily life.
NASA stated that the research and technology they test in space and apply the funds to can also have extraordinary and beneficial impacts on Earth. According to NASA, some of the benefits include enhancing crop cultivation for food security and water reclamation technology to conserve water and clean air.
All of these amazing feats in science and technology leave students wondering if these innovations are worth the price in the long run.
Senior Bola Hakim gave his thoughts on whether we should really be that critical of NASA for doing what they think is best for humanity.
“I know that it may seem like a waste of money, but sometimes I feel you have to invest in something in order for change to happen, just like everything in life,” Hakim said.
Whether the goal is to improve the Earth or rely on future improvements from space exploration, the Artemis II mission has shown the world that the biggest debate is not how far advanced society can become, but how to get there and use money responsibly to benefit everybody.
