KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla – Before the roar of rockets and the groundbreaking moon landings, there were the names that set the stage.

The Apollo program stands as NASA’s most celebrated lunar effort, borrowing its name from Apollo, the Greek god of the sun. This choice was not just symbolic but strategic, evoking themes of enlightenment, power, and the pursuit of knowledge at a time when America was locked in a historic race to the moon.

Spanning from 1961 to 1972, the Apollo missions notably succeeded in placing 12 men on the lunar surface. Yet, despite these monumental achievements, one aspect was glaringly absent—women were not part of these historic journeys.

Fast forward over five decades, and NASA is ready to revisit the moon with a fresh perspective and a new name that carries significant meaning.

Enter Artemis, named after Apollo’s twin sister and the Greek goddess of the moon. This isn’t merely a nod to mythology; it’s a deliberate choice. With the Artemis missions, NASA pledges to set foot on the lunar soil with the first woman and the first person of color.

Transitioning from Apollo to Artemis represents more than a change in nomenclature. It marks a pivotal evolution in space exploration, shifting from a competitive race among superpowers to a mission underscored by diversity, sustainability, and the ambition of establishing a lasting human presence beyond our planet.

Mark Kirasich, Orion program manager, says the goal extends well beyond a single mission.

“It’s about a sustainable, long-term human space exploration program,” Kirasich said.

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson echoed that sentiment, framing the Artemis crew not just as American astronauts — but as representatives of something far bigger.

“This is our crew. This is humanity’s crew,” Nelson said.

For the first time, the story of the moon is being rewritten to include more of humanity.