Artemis II: NASA's Historic Lunar Flyby Mission Set to Launch
NASA's Artemis II mission is poised to make history as it sends four astronauts on a journey around the moon, marking the first time humans will have ventured beyond Earth's orbit in more than five decades. With the initial launch window opening as early as February 6, this groundbreaking expedition could be just days away from liftoff.
The Crew and Their Mission
The Artemis II crew comprises Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, Mission Specialist Christina Koch, and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen. They will blast off from the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida aboard NASA's most powerful rocket, the Space Launch System (SLS). During their 10-day mission, the astronauts will travel over 620,000 miles (one million kilometres) in the Orion spacecraft, completing a lunar flyby at approximately 6,400 miles (10,400 kilometres) above the moon's surface. This mission builds upon the uncrewed Artemis I flight in 2022, but Artemis II will be the first to test NASA's deep-space exploration equipment with humans on board.
Launch Details and Preparations
NASA has identified three potential launch windows for Artemis II: February 6-11, March 6-11, and April 1-6. In preparation, the space agency moved the SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft to the launch pad on January 17. A critical 'wet dress rehearsal' is scheduled for no later than February 2, during which the rocket will be loaded with over three million litres of super-cooled fuel and undergo a countdown simulation. Multiple rehearsals may be required if safety concerns arise, and the rocket could be returned to the hangar if necessary.
Mission Timeline and Key Events
After launch, the SLS will accelerate to speeds of around 24,500 miles per hour (39,400 km/h), propelling Orion into Earth orbit. Approximately 42 hours into the mission, Orion will enter a highly elliptical orbit, reaching up to 44,525 miles (71,600 km) from Earth. The crew will then jettison the interim cryogenic propulsion stage and conduct manual control tests. Following a 'translunar injection' burn, Orion will embark on a four-day journey to the moon, passing about 6,400 miles (10,400 km) behind its dark side. The astronauts will witness Earth and the moon from a distance of 250,000 miles (402,000 km), with the moon appearing about the size of a basketball held at arm's length. Using lunar gravity, Orion will slingshot back to Earth over another four days, culminating in a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean after jettisoning the European Service Module.
Meet the Astronauts
The Artemis II crew represents a diverse group of pioneers, including the first black man, the first woman, and the first non-American to travel into lunar orbit.
- Reid Wiseman (Commander): A NASA astronaut, Navy veteran, and test pilot with 165 days spent on the International Space Station (ISS), where he set a NASA research record.
- Victor Glover (Pilot): A US Navy aviator and test pilot with 3,500 flight hours and 168 days on the ISS, including four spacewalks.
- Christina Koch (Mission Specialist): An engineer and polar explorer who holds the record for the longest continuous spaceflight by a woman, spending 328 days on the ISS and completing 42 hours of spacewalks.
- Jeremy Hansen (Mission Specialist): A Royal Canadian Air Force fighter pilot selected by the Canadian Space Agency, making him the first Canadian to fly around the moon.
Life Aboard the Orion Spacecraft
During the 10-day mission, the crew will live in a confined space roughly the size of two minivans, adapting to microgravity conditions. They will sleep in hammock-like bags attached to handrails, exercise for 30 minutes daily using a flywheel device to prevent muscle and bone atrophy, and follow a controlled diet that includes items like chicken curry and shrimp cocktail. For hygiene, they will use a Universal Waste Management System, similar to the ISS toilet, which employs air flow to manage waste.
Key Facts and Figures
The Artemis II mission is part of NASA's broader lunar exploration programme, with an estimated total cost of $44 billion (£32.5 billion). Key components include the $23.8 billion (£17.6 billion) Space Launch System rocket and the $20.4 billion (£15 billion) Orion spacecraft. This mission paves the way for future lunar landings, testing critical systems and procedures in deep space.
