NASA is advancing towards its historic Artemis II mission, which aims to send astronauts around the Moon for the first time in over 50 years. The space agency moved its Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft from the assembly building to the launch pad at the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida on Saturday. The launch window for this manned mission opens on February 6, 2024, marking a significant milestone since the last crewed lunar mission, Apollo 17, in 1972.
The Artemis II mission is designed to last 10 days and will serve as the first crewed flight to orbit the Moon. Following this mission, NASA plans to execute Artemis III, which will return astronauts to the lunar surface. According to NASA, the Artemis program aims to facilitate scientific exploration, provide economic benefits, and lay the groundwork for future crewed missions to Mars.
The journey of the SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft, approximately four miles, was conducted using NASA’s crawler-transporter 2. This transport process is expected to take up to 12 hours. Once at the launch pad, engineers will prepare the vehicles for a rehearsal test that will include loading propellants into the rocket.
During a press conference at the Kennedy Space Centre, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman emphasized the mission’s significance, stating it fulfills “a promise to the American people that we will return to the Moon.” He described the Moon as an ideal environment for testing autonomous capabilities in spacecraft. Isaacman remarked on the future of lunar exploration, noting, “We talk about building a moon base,” while acknowledging that initial phases will likely involve autonomous rovers focused on mining and mineral extraction.
The crew for the Artemis II mission features esteemed astronauts: Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen. Hansen expressed the mission’s broader implications, stating it is “good for humanity,” and shared his newfound appreciation for the Moon, noting, “I think others are going to join us in staring at the Moon a lot more as there are humans flying around the far side.”
Koch highlighted adaptability as a vital trait for astronauts, emphasizing the importance of being prepared for the unexpected. She stated, “The Moon is like a witness plate for everything that’s actually happened to Earth,” suggesting that lunar studies could provide insights into solar system formation and the potential for life on other planets.
Following the mission, Orion is set to splash down in the Pacific Ocean, with recovery operations being supported by the U.S. Navy. As NASA prepares for this momentous journey, the excitement surrounding the Artemis II mission reflects a renewed commitment to human space exploration and the possibilities that lie beyond Earth.
