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Artemis II Sends Earth Views From Deep Space
2 Apr
Summary
- Artemis II spacecraft is sending images from farther than previous crewed missions.
- Astronauts are on a 10-day lunar voyage, the first since 1972.
- New distance records will be set as Orion travels beyond lunar orbit.
The NASA Artemis II Orion spacecraft has commenced transmitting its inaugural images from deep space, presenting Earth views from a distance surpassing any crewed mission since the Apollo era. The Orion capsule launched on April 1, carrying Commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, mission specialist Christina Koch, and Canadian Space Agency mission specialist Jeremy Hansen.
Their 10-day mission is the first crewed lunar journey since 1972. Christina Koch and Victor Glover are set to achieve new spaceflight milestones for women and people of color respectively, as the Orion spacecraft ascends beyond the International Space Station's altitude. NASA is broadcasting live views from the Artemis II spacecraft throughout its voyage.
The crew anticipates establishing a new human spaceflight distance record on Flight Day 6, when Orion will orbit behind the moon. During this period, the astronauts are scheduled to photograph the lunar far side, an area never before directly observed by humans. The Orion spacecraft is slated to splash down on April 10 off the coast of San Diego.
