Artemis II: NASA’s First Crewed Lunar Flyby in 50 Years

NASA is targeting April 1, 2026, for the launch of Artemis II, a landmark mission that will send a crew of four astronauts on a flight around the Moon. This mission represents a pivotal step in the Artemis program, NASA’s initiative to return humans to the Moon and pave the way for future missions to Mars.

The Crew and Spacecraft

The Artemis II crew consists of NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, along with Canadian Space Agency (CSA) astronaut Jeremy Hansen. They will be aboard the Orion spacecraft, propelled by the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket. Glover will turn into the first person of color, Koch the first woman, and Hansen the first person not from the United States to venture into deep space and the vicinity of the Moon.

Mission Overview: A 10-Day Journey

The 10-day mission will not involve a lunar landing. Instead, Orion will perform a flyby of the Moon, coming within approximately 6,400 miles (10,300 km) of the lunar surface. Throughout the flight, the crew will rigorously test the Orion spacecraft’s systems, ensuring its readiness for future operational lunar missions.

A Day-by-Day Breakdown of the Mission

Following launch from Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the crew will spend approximately 24 hours in a high-Earth orbit conducting a thorough checkout of Orion’s systems. This includes testing essential life support systems such as the potable water dispenser, toilet, and carbon dioxide removal system. They will similarly configure the spacecraft’s interior for a 10-day mission with a crew of four.

If any issues arise during this initial phase, the crew will attempt to resolve them in flight. Still, unresolved problems could necessitate an early return to Earth.

Lunar Flyby and Data Collection

On Day 6, the Orion spacecraft will approach the lunar surface, offering the crew a breathtaking view of the Moon, appearing roughly the size of a basketball held at arm’s length. During this flyby, the astronauts will capture unprecedented photos and videos of previously unseen lunar regions. Communication with Earth will be temporarily interrupted as the spacecraft passes behind the Moon.

Return to Earth and Splashdown

On Day 10, a final trajectory correction burn will ensure Orion is on course for its return to Earth. The crew will re-enter their spacesuits in preparation for splashdown. The crew module will separate from the service module, exposing the heat shield, which will protect the spacecraft and crew during re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere at temperatures reaching up to 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Like SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft, Orion will deploy parachutes to slow its descent for a splashdown off the coast of California.

Significance of Artemis II

Artemis II builds upon the success of the uncrewed Artemis I mission in 2022 and represents the first crewed deep space mission since Apollo 17 in 1972. It is a crucial step towards establishing a sustainable human presence on the Moon and preparing for future exploration of Mars.

More Information

For a detailed day-by-day breakdown of the Artemis II mission, visit NASA’s website.