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Artemis II: Humans Head Moonward After 50+ Years
1 Apr
Summary
- Artemis II mission launched to the moon for the first time since 1972.
- Four astronauts will journey 252,000 miles beyond the moon.
- The mission tests systems for future lunar surface missions.
The Artemis II mission has successfully launched, carrying four astronauts on a historic 10-day flight around the moon. This marks the first crewed mission to lunar space since 1972. The astronauts will travel approximately 252,000 miles from Earth, reaching farther than humans have ever ventured before.
This mission serves as a critical test for NASA's Artemis program. While the crew will not land on the moon, they will test the Orion spacecraft's life-support systems and flight controls. The data gathered will be vital for future Artemis missions aiming to land humans on the lunar surface, potentially establishing a permanent moon base by 2028.
The European Space Agency contributed a crucial component, the European Service Module, built by Airbus. This module acts as the powerhouse for the mission, providing propulsion, power, and life support. NASA has also partnered with private companies like SpaceX for future lunar landers.
