Athena, an Argentine satellite, has been selected as the sole Latin American development to be part of NASA's Artemis II mission, which aims to return humans to the Moon for the first time in over fifty years. This satellite is the result of collaborative efforts among professionals from three public universities, three research institutions, and a private company in Argentina. The mission focuses on exploring the far side of the Moon, with the Orion spacecraft carrying four astronauts, among them Christina Koch, who will be the first woman to travel to the Moon.

The Artemis II mission represents a significant moment not only for NASA but also for Argentina, as it highlights the country's capabilities in space technology. With the upcoming flight being an orbital mission, plans for Artemis III will take astronauts to the lunar surface in pursuit of frozen water deposits, which could support the construction of a lunar base and facilitate further exploration, such as missions to Mars. Athena's inclusion in this mission showcases the advancements that Argentina has made in satellite technology and its role in international space exploration.

As the countdown to the launch of Athena begins, it reflects a growing trend in which countries are looking to collaborate on space missions. The involvement of Argentine professionals and institutions in such a high-profile project signals a promising future for the nation's space industry and its potential contributions to global space exploration efforts. This mission not only marks a milestone for NASA but also represents a leap forward for Argentina, putting the country on the map as a key player in satellite development and space technology.