Fly Me to the Moon: Was Project Artemis Real or Fictional?

Viewers are eager to learn more about NASA’s Project Artemis in the 2024 rom-com Fly Me to the Moon, starring Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum. Inspired by the 1969 Apollo 11 mission, the film explores a fictional “backup” moon landing, stirring curiosity about its authenticity. With the movie’s historical backdrop and existing conspiracy theories, fans are questioning whether Project Artemis is purely fictional or has elements of truth.

Here is a brief overview of Project Artemis in the movie and the leading couple’s role in it, featuring spoilers.

What is Project Artemis in Fly Me to the Moon?

Moe Berkus, a White House operative under the Nixon administration, devised Project Artemis as a backup plan.

If Apollo 11 failed to send astronauts to the moon, the project involved releasing fake moon landing footage to the public. Moe believed this step was necessary to save the United States’ image globally and to defeat the Soviets in the Space Race.

The movie ends on a happy note as Apollo 11 successfully lands on the moon. Kelly hatches a plan with Cole to air the real moon landing to the public. The pair ensures that they erase Project Artemis from the records, leaving behind no physical trace. With everything falling into place, the couple decides to start afresh and begin their new life together.

Was Project Artemis a real government initiative or fictional?

No, Project Artemis is a fictional plan created for the movie. There has never been any such government project in history.

Fans are questioning whether it might have existed due to the infamous conspiracy theories about the 1969 moon landing. Over the years, some have believed the historic moon landing footage is fake and was filmed in a studio. However, Project Artemis is entirely fictional, and the movie does not support these theories.

Another reason adding to the confusion is NASA’s real Artemis program, which aims to return astronauts to the moon after 50 years. Artemis 1 completed its mission to travel around the moon and back in 2022. Artemis 2 is currently in the works and will have four astronauts aboard. It is expected to launch in 2025.