What is the significance of the Artemis 2 mission beyond just returning to the moon?

The Artemis 2 mission represents a crucial stepping stone in humanity's broader space exploration goals, extending far beyond a simple lunar return mission. According to NASA, this mission serves as the next vital step on humanity's journey to Mars, making it more than just a prerequisite for landing people on the moon's surface. The mission is part of a comprehensive space exploration strategy involving 140 active missions across the solar system. Artemis 2 will provide groundbreaking insights into lunar formation while expanding human presence in outer space, ultimately contributing to our deeper understanding of the universe and paving the way for future Mars exploration.