What is happening with the Artemis II mission?
Asked 2 hours ago
Answer
Artemis II has launched, sending four astronauts on a test flight around the moon. The crew is currently in Earth orbit, conducting intensive systems and life support checks in the Orion capsule. NASA managers will soon decide whether to proceed with a translunar injection burn, committing the crew to a four-day journey to lunar orbit. This mission tests critical systems ahead of a planned lunar landing in 2028 and aims to inspire future lunar and Mars exploration.
Now Playing
Artemis II crew's busy first day in space
- Victor Glover took manual control as systems testing began
- Crew tested life support, focusing on CO2 removal systems 16s
- Ninety percent of life support systems are untested in space 35s
- NASA managers to decide on proceeding to the moon 1m 5s
- Translunar injection will commit crew to a four-day moon trip 1m 14s
References
After launch, Orion enters high Earth orbit for initial tests. On day two, a trans-lunar injection burn will push Orion out of Earth's orbit for a several-day journey to the moon, where the crew will observe the lunar far side.
The Artemis II crew is orbiting Earth, testing the Orion capsule's systems, especially life support, before proceeding to the moon. NASA will review system performance about 19 hours after launch to decide whether to execute the Translunar Injection.