Commander Gene Cernan, the last person to walk on the moon, during NASA’s final Apollo lunar landing mission, in December 1972. (NASA)
It has now been more than five decades since Apollo 17 astronaut Gene Cernan left the final human footprints on the lunar surface in December 1972. Despite his hopeful farewell words, no astronaut has returned since. The reasons behind this long absence have less to do with technology and more to do with politics, cost, and shifting priorities.
The biggest factor is political will. Sending humans to the moon requires massive funding, long term commitment, and consistent government support. Experts say lunar missions are among the most complex and expensive undertakings any nation can attempt. Over the decades, NASA’s plans to return to the moon were repeatedly canceled or delayed as new presidential administrations changed direction. Some focused on building the International Space Station, while others prioritized asteroid missions or Mars exploration. This stop start cycle prevented sustained progress.
Cost has also been a major obstacle. The Apollo program itself was enormously expensive, and modern lunar programs like Artemis have required decades of development and more than $50 billion in investment so far. Unlike the 1960s space race, which was fueled by Cold War competition with the Soviet Union, there was no urgent geopolitical pressure forcing the United States to return immediately after Apollo ended. Without that urgency, funding and momentum gradually faded.
Buzz Aldrin stands next to the lunar module on the surface of the moon during Apollo 11.
NASA
Technology is another overlooked challenge. Even though modern computers are vastly more powerful, the original Apollo hardware and manufacturing infrastructure no longer exist. Supply chains, specialized components, and skilled workers from that era have disappeared. NASA cannot simply rebuild Apollo era spacecraft. Instead, it must design entirely new systems like the Orion spacecraft, which is far more advanced but also more complex and time consuming to develop.
Modern moon missions also have different goals. Apollo was largely about proving that humans could land on the moon and return safely. Today’s Artemis program aims to establish a sustained human presence, including lunar bases, longer stays, and preparation for future Mars missions. This requires entirely new technologies, including long duration landers, life support systems, and infrastructure that did not exist during Apollo.
Safety concerns have also played a role. Major tragedies like the Challenger and Columbia shuttle disasters forced NASA to adopt stricter safety standards, slowing development but improving long term reliability. Space exploration is inherently dangerous, and modern missions prioritize reducing risk rather than rushing timelines.
Now, momentum is finally building again. NASA’s Artemis program, along with private companies like SpaceX and international partners, is preparing for a new era of lunar exploration. The upcoming Artemis missions are expected to bring humans back to the moon for the first time since 1972 and potentially establish a permanent presence there.