NASA On Track For First Woman To Land On The Moon In 2024

It will be the first time a woman has stepped foot on the moon, following Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, who were the first people to walk on the moon in 1969.

Initially, NASA's new rocket, the Space Launch System, will launch without astronauts on board.

Two years later, in 2023 another test will launch - this time with astronauts - before finally, in 2024, they will attempt to land on the moon, with a female astronaut taking her first step.

NASA explain after initially launching on the Space Launch System, the team of astronauts will travel 240,000 miles to lunar orbit aboard the Orion spacecraft. They will board one of the new human landing systems or dock to the Gateway, to conduct an inspection and gather supplies.

They will then go on to board the landing system to the surface of the moon, where the astronauts will conduct scientific experiments and collect samples over a period of almost one week.

Once complete, the crew will then head home to Earth aboard the Orion spacecraft.

Jim Bridenstine, NASA Administrator, said: "With bipartisan support from Congress, our 21st century push to the Moon is well within America's reach.

"As we've solidified more of our exploration plans in recent months, we've continued to refine our budget and architecture.

"We're going back to the Moon for scientific discovery, economic benefits, and inspiration for a new a generation of explorers.

"As we build up a sustainable presence, we're also building momentum toward those first human steps on the Red Planet."

What an exciting time!