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Artemis II: Humans Return to Lunar Orbit in 2026
1 Jan
Summary
- Artemis II aims to test Orion spacecraft systems around the moon.
- The mission will send four astronauts beyond near-Earth orbit.
- Artemis II paves the way for future lunar bases and Mars missions.
NASA's Artemis program is nearing a significant milestone with the Artemis II mission, scheduled for a February 2026 launch. This crewed flight will send four astronauts, including representatives from NASA and the Canadian Space Agency, on a trajectory around the moon. The primary objective is to test and verify the Orion spacecraft's systems in deep space, a critical step following the uncrewed Artemis I test flight.
The mission represents the first time humans will venture beyond near-Earth orbit since the Apollo era concluded in 1972. While the astronauts will not land on the moon, their journey will provide valuable data on human physiological responses to the harsh deep-space environment. This scientific data is crucial for understanding how to support long-term human presence on the lunar surface and for future missions, potentially to Mars.
Artemis II's complex trajectory around the moon is designed to stress-test Orion's capabilities, including its ability to return the crew to Earth even if propulsion systems fail. The mission also faces challenges related to radiation exposure and potential communication blackouts. The insights gained from Artemis II will pave the way for subsequent missions aiming to establish a permanent lunar base and conduct lunar landings.
