Apr 02, 2026
3 min read
The Artemis II mission launched from the Kennedy Space Center (Cape Canaveral) and traveled to the Moon on a journey that would take ten days.
NASA's Artemis II mission, live: last minute of Orion and the four astronauts on their way to the moon
Based on facts directly observed and verified by our journalists or information sources.
The Artemis II mission took off from the Kennedy Space Center (Cape Canaveral) and continues its journey towards the Moon on a ten-day journey.
Mankind is going to return to the moon after 50 years.NASA's Diana II mission on April 1 at 6:35 p.m. local time in Florida (United States) turned into the Spanish peninsula at 12:35 a.m. on April 2.
NASA astronauts Reed Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen of the CSA (Canadian Space Agency) launched from Platform 39B of the Kennedy Space Center (Florida) in the Orion spacecraft powered by a Space Launch System (SLS) rocket.
Artemis II will work to ensure Orion's critical life support systems are ready for longer missions.This will be one of the first steps in future missions, such as Artemis IV, when Orion lands on the moon with new astronauts.
This space mission and the journey of Orion and its four astronauts are part of long-term planning.Artemis I, launched in 2022, was an important step to ensure safety during this journey to the moon.
This new vision of travel to the moon, after the Apollo mission, will aim to create future colonies and satellites.In NASA, the Chinese company of Japan is some travel with similar goals set in the coming years.
The first step to future projects
NASA's mission will be a test bed to verify the viability of future missions.This will analyze how space affects people.
A four day trip
It is estimated that the four astronauts on Artemis II will have a four-day trip to reach the Moon.Although to do this, it must first be confirmed that all systems are responsive and that there are no malfunctions that would disrupt the space mission.
Orbit above the earth
For the first few hours of this mission, the ship will still be orbiting the Earth, so Orion will travel around the Earth for about 24 hours to test its equipment before heading to the satellite.
Hygiene and communication disorders
During these first hours, several problems on the Orion spacecraft were resolved.While the incidents did not affect the mission, the flashing light warned of a "problem in the controller" of the toilet, according to NASA Associate Administrator Amit Kshatriya.The official told a news conference that it will take several hours to diagnose and repair the malfunction.NASA also announced that the spacecraft had a communications problem after liftoff, which has now been resolved.
The first 11 hours after takeoff
The Artemis II spacecraft completed its maiden flight 11 hours after takeoff.The four astronauts going to the moon will have to stay in their cabin for about 10 days until the mission is complete.
That's it for Artemis II Live
Here's a minute-by-minute recap of the Artemis II mission after a successful launch without incident in the first few hours.
From now on, the Orion spacecraft will continue in Earth orbit while the crew checks the systems before heading to the Moon in the next few hours.
You can follow the evolution of the mission and the trajectory of the craft in the official NASA broadcast, in the video signal that accompanies this news.
The press conference ends
Artemis II officials have finished their press conference and the mission is again live streaming progress.NASA has confirmed that the Orion spacecraft has successfully completed a maneuver to raise the highest point of Earth's orbit.
The ignition, carried out by the upper stage of the rocket, served to refine the trajectory before the next stages of the mission.Everything is going according to plan.
The eclipse of the sun
In addition to technical tests, Artemis II will also enable astronauts to experience a rare experience in space: observing a solar eclipse during a mission.
As NASA explains, it will be the moon itself that blocks the sun's light, which will allow the crew to see the sun's corona, a layer that can only be seen in this type of object.
"You will be able to see something extraordinary, the Corona of the Sun," they noted at a press conference, adding that the astronauts had been preparing for days to take advantage of the moment.
NASA hopes to receive images of the eclipse, although it is currently unclear whether they will be visible in real time.Either way, it will be one of the most unique moments of the entire mission.
The final decision will be made in 24 hours
The next big decision for Artemis 2 will be whether the mission will continue to the Moon.This vote will take place about 24 hours after launch, before the translunar injection (TLI) maneuver, the ignition process that directs the spacecraft toward the satellite.
As NASA explains, the decision hinges on a clear criterion: that all critical systems function as intended.
During the first day in orbit, the team and crew on the ground will assess just that: how the systems reacted after launch, a special moment for the spacecraft."The vehicle experienced severe vibrations and we had to make sure everything was still working properly," they explained.
The final decision is not made by one person.Both mission control in Houston and the mission management team are involved and will meet to analyze all the data before giving the green light.
There is a clear priority: "Everything depends on the safety of the crew, the safety of the vehicle and the sequence of mission objectives."
"It's harder to be on the ground than in a rocket"
The NASA administrator also shared how he experienced the launch from the ground, giving an unusual perspective: of someone who has full responsibility for the mission.
"It's a lot less stressful to sit in the rocket than to be responsible for everything from there," he admits, referring to the pressure of overseeing a launch of this level.
NASA explained the failures during the reading
At a press conference after the launch,Officials for Artemis II detailed the problems that forced the New Year to stop at two key moments and how to fix them in minutes.
The first involved the flight termination system, a mechanism that allows the missile to be destroyed in the event of a deviation to protect civilians.As they explained, during the test they did not succeed in "closing the complete circuit" of communication between the ground system and the missile.
The solution came quickly: "they switched to another receiver, with a similar architecture, and were able to confirm the signal correctly," they noted.After the link was verified, the necessary public safety requirements for the launch were met.
The second problem was with one of the batteries in the capsule's abort system.One of the sensors registered a temperature outside the limit, but the engineers concluded that this was not a real fault."There was no convincing physical explanation for this reading, which was completely out of scale compared to the rest," they explained.In the end, the team decided to abandon this sensor after verifying that the system was working properly.
All of these incidents were resolved without affecting the establishment, which representatives described as reflecting the group's training: "This is what we teach, so we can take action and resolve it quickly."
Communication problem and toilet malfunction
NASA has admitted that Artemis II has already detected small incidents in its first hours in orbit.None of what was expected on a test flight.
Among them was a problem with the toilet system, which astronauts began testing shortly after launch.
Faults were also detected in the vessel's water tank shut-off valve.This system, designed to balance the flow of the tanks, shut down during lifting - possibly from the initial vibrations - and had to be reset.
This was also a known failure of Artemis I: a current limiter in an electronic component that could be affected by radiation.According to NASA, this type of phenomenon has been recorded in previous missions and is considered normal.“This will be controlled automatically by the onboard fault detection system,” he explains.
In parallel, those responsible confirmed that the short loss of communication that was observed during the climb was resolved, although they continued to investigate its source."It was unusual for it to be interrupted for a few minutes, but we quickly got rain," he said.
Far from raising concerns, the agency confirms that these types of problems are part of the purpose of Artemis II: to test all systems under real world conditions."That is why we are here to identify these problems and learn how to solve them," they explained.
NASA confirmed that everything is going according to plan
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman confirmed in a press release that the Artemis II mission is progressing normally after launch.
As described, all the ship's systems are working normally and the crew is in good condition.
This is the launch of Artemis II
If you missed it, you can miss the launch of Artemis II with this schedule:
Press conference
NASA has announced that it will hold a press conference soon with all the details of the launch.
A key maneuver before a flight to the Moon
Before leaving Earth orbit, Orion will perform a maneuver called a lunar transfer injection (TLI).This is the igniter that "shoots" the spacecraft towards the moon and determines the entire trajectory of the trip.
The watchman will take control of the boat
One of the main goals of Artemis II is to demonstrate that Orion can be controlled manually.Astronauts will control the spacecraft without automation to evaluate its behavior during actual flight.
The first 24 hours
During this first day, the crew has not yet traveled to the moon.Its mission is to validate all ship systems: navigation, communications, life support and manual controls.If something is wrong, the mission cannot continue in deep space.
What "high earth orbit" means in this mission
Artemis II does not remain in low orbit where the International Space Station operates.Orion is moving into a much higher orbit, allowing it to test the system in conditions closer to deep space before going to the Moon.
How fast is Artemis II going now?
After launch, Orion is already traveling at more than 28,000 km/h, the speed needed to remain in orbit around Earth.Over the next few hours, the craft will adjust its trajectory before performing the maneuver that will send it toward the Moon.
NASA canceled the announcement, but we can still see Orion
Broadcasting from Orion itself allows us to continue monitoring the mission, even though the broadcast with the presenters has ended at the Kennedy Space Center.
The best photos of the release
Artemis II was launched on April 1 at 6:35 p.m. local time in Florida (USA), that is, on April 2 at 12:35 a.m. on the Spanish Peninsula.Here are the best photos posted.
When and why did Astronauts Artemis II take off their coats?
During launch and re-entry, the crew wears the so-called Orion Survival System (OCSS) suit.These suits are designed to protect astronauts in stressful and emergency situations, such as depressurizing the cabin.
Once the ship reaches a safe orbit and all systems are confirmed to be working properly — as they did after launch — the protocol allows the astronauts to take off their pressure suits.
From this point on, they begin wearing light clothing inside the capsule, as Orion maintains a habitable atmosphere similar to Earth's with its life support system.
However, the suits can be there all the time. If any difference occurs, for example, loss of pressure - they act as an autonomous survival system, so the crew must quickly put them back.
All ready for a 10 day mission
The Artemis II mission will last around ten days.
The plan includes the initial phase of Earth orbit, a round trip to the Moon, flight and return to Earth.Each phase is planned to the millimetre, although there is always room to adapt to any unforeseen events.
Even though there will be no moon landing, Artemis II is an important mission.
Everything that happens in those ten days will serve to validate the systems that will be used on future missions, especially on Artemis IV, where astronauts plan to step on the lunar surface again.
Best photos of Artemis II
As the mission continues, we already have some great pictures of Artemis II's launch.
Change into a space suit
Once the ascent was complete, the astronauts removed the spacesuits they had used during launch, and a much more stable period began inside the spacecraft.
For about 24 hours, Orion will remain in Earth's orbit while the crew checks all the systems, evaluates the state of the ship, and prepares for the next big maneuver: the push that will take them to the Moon.
Solar panel installed
NASA has confirmed that the Orion spacecraft's solar panels have successfully deployed.
At the end of this last step, the ship is fully operational in space, with a continuous supply of electricity for all its systems: life support, communication and navigation.
This is one of the most important post-launch milestones, and getting it right ensures that everything works as planned.
End of the first phase: the middle phase has been successfully separated
The mission has reached one of its biggest milestones: shutting down the main engine and separating the rocket's core stage.
From this moment, it moves to the upper stage, which continues to guide the Orion spacecraft along its path to Earth orbit.
The next big milestone will be reached in a few minutes with the launch of Orion's solar panels.
Once open, these four wings will provide electrical power to the ship during the mission, providing key systems such as life support, communications or navigation.
Orion is released from its defenses and continues its ascension
Now outside the thickest layers of the atmosphere, the Orion spacecraft has detached from the protective caps that covered it during launch.
This structure protects the service module and the abort system during maximum stress.With its separation, the ship was completely exposed to space.
Script Breakdown: Artemis II hits its first major milestone
Within minutes of its launch,Two solid boosts of SLS were successfully separated.
At liftoff, two fixed boosters (height 54 m) generated more than 75% of the thrust required to lift the vehicle weighing more than 26 million kilograms.Together with them, the four RS-25 engines of the central stage made the rocket develop a thrust of about 4 million kg.
Their separation marks a decisive moment: the rocket loses weight and continues to rise, powered by the center stage.
Artemis II continues her ascent without incident.
Artemis II continues its path to Earth orbit in the first minutes of the flight, one of the most challenging phases of the entire mission.
After liftoff, the rocket gradually lost weight as it consumed fuel, allowing it to gain speed as it moved away from Earth.All indications are that the ascent is proceeding normally.
At this point, the mission was approaching another critical moment: separation of solid propellant and continued ascent powered by the rocket's main stage.
The SLS rocket successfully lifted off at 18:35 (Eastern US Time), 00:35 in mainland Spain, in a maneuver that marked the return of astronauts to space more than half a century later.
Artemis II's countdown has entered its final phase.Takeoff is scheduled for 6:35 p.m.ET, 12:35 a.m. ET.in mainland Spain.
From now on, the process is in the hands of the system itself: the fuel tank is pressurized, the flight program is started and gradually controlled, from the ground equipment to the system on the rocket and the Orion spacecraft.
At the same time, thousands of devices are checked in real time to make sure everything is ready.This automated process minimizes human interference and ensures that all systems are working together several times before launch.
Artemis II is now approaching a pivotal moment: the final transition from ground operations to liftoff.
9 minutes to fly
Artemis II launch manager Charlie Blackwell-Thompson made one of the most important moves before departure: a 'go/no go' vote for the team to continue the final 10-minute count, known as the final count.
Unanimous approval by all committee members indicates that Artemis II is ready for launch.
T-10 minutes: the world holds its breath
NASA paused the countdown momentarily to perform a final systems check, a routine procedure in the final minutes before launch.
After review, all systems received approval and remain in "GO" status with no anomalies detected.
This short interruption will not affect the launch window, so Artemis II will continue its scheduled flight in the next few minutes.
False alarm and battery
NASA has confirmed that the failure of one of the Launch Launch System (LAS) batteries was not an actual failure, but rather an instrument error, so it will not affect the launch of Artemis II.
The unusual temperature readings had raised concerns for several minutes, but after checking, the team ruled out any risk to the mission.
Also, there is another key factor: the weather forecast for the launch is 90% favorable.
What happens inside a rocket before it takes off?
While everything appears still from the outside, inside the SLS the activity is constant.
In the last hours, the filling of the tanks with liquid hydrogen and oxygen, extremely volatile fuels that must be kept at cryogenic temperatures, was completed.Every difference in pressure or temperature is monitored in real time.
Last problem, resolved
NASA has confirmed that the issue with the Launch Abort System (LAS) battery has been resolved.
This incident, related to the temperature of one of the batteries, may have become a 'NO GO' in the last minute of the countdown, but the team was able to solve it in time.
With this last setback overcome, the mission enters its final phase.Artemis II should lift off in just 20 minutes.
Why is there a launch "window"?
The launch of Artemis II can't happen soon enough.Time is counted down to the second so that the ship can follow the exact path to the Moon.
The position of the earth, the rotation of the moon and the planets determine this period of time.If the rocket does not take off in the window, the mission must organize another test under the same conditions.
The countdown is going without incident and the first launch window is open at 6:24 p.m. Florida local time, which translates to 12:24 a.m. in Spain.
In case of any technical or weather problems, NASA has already planned a second chance: the next attempt will be in Florida on April 2 at 7:22 p.m., that is, on April 3 at 1:22 a.m. in Spain.
The most important time is approaching: 8 minutes to leave the world
The most critical moment of the entire mission will come as soon as it begins.It will take only eight minutes from the ignition of the engines to the separation of the rocket's center stage.
At that point, SLS will release its solid propellant, release the abort launch system, and exit the Orion capsule to continue its journey alone.
It's an automated process where everything has to work with millimeter precision.
Although the ultimate goal is to orbit the Moon, Artemis II will not go there immediately after launch.
First, the spacecraft will enter a high Earth orbit for about 24 hours.During this time, the crew will test key systems, perform approach maneuvers and test manual control of the capsule.Only if everything works as it should, the step moves to the next step.
Isaacman sheds light on future Artemis role
During the announcement, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman stepped in to emphasize the role of Artemis II in the future of space exploration.
Isaacman emphasized that this mission is not an end in itself, but a necessary step to validate the system, test the technology and prepare for the return of people to the moon in future missions.
In addition, he thanked everyone who made this possible.
The sound is capable of breaking the rocket itself
The SLS acquisition isn't just a surprise.It is also a sound level: it can reach 180 decibels on the platform, a level capable of creating shock waves, that is, the noise that they can destroy the rocket itself.
That's why NASA uses a water-based acoustic suppression system to protect rockets during launch.This means that before launch, large amounts of water are pumped onto the platform to reduce the impact of sound and vibrations.
30 minutes to make history with almost 100 meters of rock
The Space Launch System (SLS) is the rocket that will make Artemis II possible.It is approximately 98 meters tall and has been developed by NASA since the Apollo Saturn V program.
But SLS is not born from scratch.It is largely the result of decades of experience with the space shuttle program.Its four RS-25 main engines are improved versions of those that powered the old shuttles, reused and adapted for this new generation of launch vehicles.Added to these are two solid side thrusters, also derived from that program, which provide most of the thrust during the first few minutes of flight.
The system generates more than 8 million pounds of thrust during flight, enough to overcome Earth's gravity.
The structure of the rocket is organized into several stages.The main stage, known as the base stage, stores liquid hydrogen and oxygen at cryogenic temperatures and powers the engines during climb.Above it is the upper stage, which has the task of providing the final thrust before Orion continues on its own.
In addition to its data, SLS also represents a change in philosophy.Unlike the Saturn V, which was designed for a program with an expiration date, this rocket is part of an architecture designed to be sustained and evolved over time.Its design, in future versions, will allow the transport of heavier payloads and also serve as a base for more ambitious missions such as a permanent lunar landing.Return or the first human journey to Mars.
Indeed: Unlike new commercial rockets like SpaceX's Super Heavy, the SLS is not reusable and neither the core stage, upper stage nor engines are available.Each launch involves building the vehicle from scratch, a decision that prioritizes reliability over cost reduction.
Orion propulsion system
As the countdown progresses and the latest incident is resolved, NASA is investigating one of the key elements of the mission: the Orion spacecraft's propulsion system, which is responsible for carrying the crew into lunar orbit and back to Earth.
Unlike the SLS rocket, which is only used during launch, Orion has its own engine system, which is integrated into the Europa service module.This system includes the main engine and several small thrusters that are able to adjust the trajectory, orientation in space and the execution of critical maneuvers.
This system will be responsible for one of the most important stages of the trip: translunar injection, the ignition that will send the craft on its way to the moon.
In addition, these engines will also be important during re-entry, allowing Orion to set a proper trajectory for re-entry into Earth's atmosphere and landing in the Pacific Ocean.
The latest fix is less than an hour: they check the battery in the contraceptive system
Just when everything seemed fine, NASA discovered a new technical problem with the rocket launch system (LAS).In particular, the temperature of one of its batteries is out of bounds.
Currently, this is not a starting restriction, but if it is not resolved before the last six minutes of the countdown, it could be a "NO GO".Teams are already working on control missions to fix this in time.
The incident happened just as the weather forecast improved to 90% favorable starting conditions.
Meanwhile, on the platform, the team has already cleared the entrance to the Orion capsule, one of the last steps before take off.
Ready staff
As the final details are finalized, the livestream looks back at the cast's careers.
Astronaut Christina Hammock, an electrical engineer from Goddard, will be the first woman to travel to the moon.
Koch is an electrical engineer and NASA astronaut with extensive experience in long-duration missions.In 2019, she made history by participating in the first female spacewalk and also set the record for the longest stay by a woman in space by spending 328 days on the International Space Station.
Before Artemis II, Koch had already worked in extreme environments on Earth—like Antarctica—and in orbit, making her one of the most trained astronauts on the mission.
On this flight, you will become a mission specialist and take on a critical role in monitoring procedures, time management, and the safety of your team during operations.
Another important moment
While troubleshooting the flight termination system, technicians completed closing the launch termination system hatch, "an essential step to ensure the Orion spacecraft is fully enclosed and ready for flight," NASA explained, adding that "the hatch provides an additional protective barrier for the crew module designed to protect the astronauts during flight and, if necessary, allow for a quick flight of Artemis II in an emergency."
In this phase, the team ensures that the hatch is correctly positioned, properly closed and completely sealed.They also check the pressure lines.
All of this is important to ensure the hatch functions properly, even under extreme launch conditions.
After completing these checks, the Orion spacecraft is ready for its final configuration before the final stages before take off.
From stress to food
With the technical issues now resolved, NASA's broadcast has given a more daily topic: What astronauts will eat during the Artemis II mission.
And the answer is no less polarizing than the classic image of "astronaut food."The menu offers almost 200 different options, from main courses like beef, macaroni and cheese, to salads, beans or omelets, which are among the basic choices because they don't produce crumbs in microgravity.
There will also be drinks such as coffee, tea or smoothies, as well as desserts and sweet snacks.Everything is designed to be safe, durable and easy to use in space, since the ship has neither cooling nor the possibility to replenish them during the ten days of the mission.
Of course, it's not like cooking at home: most food is rehydrated or ready-to-eat, prepared with water on board or heated in compact systems.
What other system can stop a launch at the last minute
Failure of the flight termination system is not the only thing that can stop a launch.For a mission like Artemis II, there are dozens of parameters that must be met to the millimeter before the green light is given.
One of the most important is the condition of the rocket itself.Any anomaly in the engines, propulsion or fuel systems - such as leaks or out of range - can cause an automatic 'NO GO'.In fact, these types of problems have historically been one of the most frequent causes of delays.
Climate is another determining factor.Time is analyzed not only at the launch site, but also along the entire ascent trajectory and possible empty zones.Wind, thunderstorms or even electrically charged clouds can force the countdown to stop.
Telecommunications and computer systems are also continuously monitored.A connection error between the ship and ground equipment or a navigation software error may be sufficient reasons to cancel a launch.
Finally, the crew themselves.Although rare, they may be forced to abort a mission if they discover a medical problem.
Why is this issue "no"?
The problem detected was not small.It affected the flight termination system, one of the most important safety systems of the entire launch.
This system allows the rocket to be destroyed from the ground if it deviates from its trajectory during ascent, preventing it from falling outside the safe zone and putting the population at risk.Therefore, its operation is not optional: it is an essential requirement to authorize take-off.
In fact, this means that the operation is automatically blocked if communication with the system is not guaranteed.This is not an operational or policy decision, but a basic security standard set by law.
So, as soon as the malfunction was detected, the mission went into 'no go' mode.Only when engineers were able to confirm that the system was working properly did NASA give the green light for relaunch.
Problems between computations
A little more than an hour after launch, NASA discovered a problem with communications with the flight terminal system, a key mechanism that allows Earth to destroy the rocket if it deviates from its trajectory during liftoff.
This system is essential to ensure public safety, so any failure in its operation will force the launch to be halted.In fact, those responsible for the project are clear: without a guarantee that it will work properly, there is no take-off.
After identifying the problem, the engineers worked around the clock to find a solution and check the system.Finally, NASA has confirmed that the error has been corrected and is no longer a limitation.
With the approval of the technical teams, the countdown continues and Artemis II continues to launch within the planned window.
Who are the Artemis II astronauts?
We recall that the Artemis II mission will bring four astronauts into lunar orbit: Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen.Three of them belong to NASA and the fourth, Hansen, represents the Canadian Space Agency (CSA).
This is not just any crewGlover would be the first black astronaut, Koch would be the first woman to travel to the moon, and Hansen would be the first Canadian to participate in a lunar mission.Beyond the symbolic milestone, the four have been chosen for their experience and years of training for the mission.
Three of them went to space.Reed Wiseman flew to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2014, aboard a Soyuz spacecraft, where he spent six months as a Flight Engineer, and went on to command the Station's 41st Expedition.
Victor Glover participated in SpaceX's Crew-1 mission in 2020, the first operational round of NASA's commercial program.During his stay on the ISS, which lasted about six months, he made several spacewalks.
Christina Koch is in fact the one who has spent the most time in four orbits.Between 2019 and 2020 she spent almost a year on the International Space Station - 328 days -, commemorating the longest space mission carried out by a woman.It is added that she was the first woman to participate in all space missions.
Jeremy Hansen, for his part, will be the only new person in space.Although he has not been in space, he has a long history as a CSA astronaut and has participated in the main tasks of a connection with the ISS from Earth, in addition to actively participating in the Artemis program since its inception.
Only an hour and a half left
It's eleven o'clock in Spain and across the Atlantic, the countdown has begun and is nearing its end.In just over an hour and a half, if nothing stops, the SLS rocket will be headed towards the moon from Kennedy Space Center's Platform 39B.
This won't be just another launch.Artemis II will mark the return of manned flights to the lunar surface more than half a century after the Apollo program.Four astronauts — Reed Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen — are about to star in a mission that isn't aimed at landing on the moon, but shows that everything is ready to do so in the coming years.
At the moment, the crew remains isolated in Space Center facilities, following the latest pre-launch protocols.The last few days have been spent between technical meetings, rehearsals and moments with his family.All that is behind us now.What lies ahead is a ten-day journey that will take them further than any human in history.
On the other hand, the rocket is waiting for what is prepared on the platform.More than 98 meters high, thousands of tons of cryogenic propellant and one mission: to place Orion in deep space.If all goes as planned, in just eight minutes the spacecraft will leave Earth's atmosphere.
But the launch is only the first step.For the next few hours, the capsule will remain in high Earth orbit, where the crew will check critical systems and carry out some of the most serious maneuvers, including a manual space arm.Only then will the decisive moment arrive: the ignition that will definitely send them to the Moon.
Conditions are good now.NASA has forecast an 80% chance of favorable weather, and there are no technical issues that could delay the countdown.Even the solar flare detected in the last few hours has been dismissed as a threat to the mission.
However, no one at NASA is taking anything for granted.Artemis II was, primarily, a test aircraft.Every system, every action and every decision is part of a process designed to ensure the future of lunar exploration.
Hard 8 minutes after take off like Artemis II
The historic launch of the Artemis II mission must go beyond the first eight and a half minutes at the highest risk this Wednesday, as Spanish engineer Carlos Garcia-Gallen, director of NASA's Moon Base, a program aimed at developing a colony on the surface of the moon, explained to Lafi.If we pass them, much of the risk of taking off is behind us," he said. Two and a half minutes after liftoff, the huge first stage separated, containing the two solid propulsion engines, falling into the Atlantic Ocean, while other parts will do so later in the Pacific Ocean. Among the other parts released are the three layers protecting Orion's service module, as well as the emergency turret, which is a safety engine on top of the crew capsule for emergency use. With minutes remaining,As the craft continues to accelerate, the rocket's second stage, which houses the four main engines, runs out of fuel, separates, and falls.
Four astronauts who will go to the moon in 10 days
The crew of Artemis II is not a new mystery.On April 3, 2023, NASA revealed the names of four astronauts in an announcement that marks the beginning of a new phase in manned lunar exploration.Since then, their profiles and trajectories have come into focus as part of a mission to make history.Orion will include Canadian Space Agency (CSA) astronaut Jeremy Hansen and NASA astronauts Christina Koch, Victor Glover and Reed Wiseman.They are going to go up to the moon.
What image task will be obtained
A social media user asked NASA what pictures will be taken during the mission. Orion's external cameras will also take images of the Moon, Earth and outer space as the crew travels further than any humans in more than 50 years," the agency replied.
Why the Artemis II mission?
The Artemis II mission is a test flight designed to allow NASA to test and understand the systems needed to keep astronauts safe during round trips to the Moon, the US agency explained in response to a question.
Anne Wilson, singer who sang the National Anthem
American singer Anne Wilson is responsible for performing the anthem of Artemis II."As the United States prepares to send astronauts around the Moon for the first time in more than 50 years, your voice will help usher in this historic moment," NASA said.
Artemis II will go beyond Apollo 13
NASA has confirmed that the Artemis II mission will go further than Apollo 13."The spacecraft will travel approximately 1.4 million miles or 2.25 million kilometers on its mission," he replied to a user's question on social media.
How much do you know about the moon?Enter Artemis 2 and test yourself with these 10 questions about the satellite
NASA's Artemis II mission begins its journey to the Moon, and to celebrate we've created a little thing to test your knowledge of Earth's satellite.
How far will the ship be from the moon?
NASA notes that the closest the Artemis II crew will be to the moon will be when Orion flies past the moon, "4,000 to 6,000 miles above the lunar surface."
"At this distance, the Moon will appear to the crew about the size of a basketball held at arm's length," the agency concluded.
They install the hatch service panel
Engineers on the Orion spacecraft began installing the Crew Module Hatch Service Panel, a cover placed on the adult access door.This panel protects critical connections and keeps the hatch area safe for flight.As part of the shutdown, the team made sure all the systems around the hatch were properly shut down and ready for the mission.Once the hatch is secured, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida Teams will continue final checks and recalculations on Launch Pad 39B.
Greater automation than previous spacecraft
NASA explained on its social networks that the Artemis II mission demonstrated a balance between crew decision-making and ground support, based on decades of experience in human spaceflight."Orion is designed to operate with greater onboard power and greater maneuverability than previous aircraft, allowing the crew to perform tasks, react in real time to different scenarios and manually control the aircraft when necessary," he noted.
This was the arrival of the astronauts at the weapons site
Trump celebrates America's return to the moon
US President Donald Trump on Wednesday celebrated the country's return to the moon "for the first time in over 50 years"."We are winning in space, on Earth, everywhere: economically, militarily, and even beyond the stars," he applauded."Artemis II, one of the most powerful rockets ever built, will launch our brave astronauts into space where no human has ever reached (...) the United States not only competes, but dominates, and the world is watching," he said in a message posted on social media.White House spokeswoman Liz Houston said in a statement to NBC News that Trump would oversee the launch from his presidency."During President Trump's first term, the Artemis program was formally established to return humans to the Moon. President Trump is excited about the next phase, which includes the historic launch of Artemis II."said
Checking the counterweight mechanism
NASA engineers have completed tests of the counterweight mechanism and are currently conducting hatch seal depressurization tests in White Room 39B of the Launch Complex.the system uses calibrated springs and shock absorbers to maintain alignment and prevent sudden movements, which is necessary to maintain hatch tightness.In this step, they test the mechanism's load distribution and ensure that its locking mechanisms operate correctly under simulated trigger loads.
Astronauts finalize information about Orion
The four Artemis II astronauts are already in the Orion capsule and are inspecting the craft.
They are preparing to close the hatch
NASA's Artemis II mission shutdown team completed one of the most critical pre-launch steps: preparing and closing the Orion spacecraft's crew module door.Inside the White Room of Launch Complex 39B, the team worked diligently to check seals, secure fasteners, and verify that the door is airtight.
Former astronaut Mark E. Kelly took part in the launch
American politician, retired astronaut and Navy officer Mark Edward Kelly attended the Artemis II crew walk from the Neil A. Armstrong Operations and Verification Building for the launch Pad 39B as part of the preparations for the launch of Artemis II in Titusville.
Will this mission help travel to Mars?
Many wonder if the return mission to the moon will serve to lay the foundation for the long-awaited trip to Mars.And NASA answered the question: "The lessons learned during the Artemis II mission will prepare the way for humans to return to the lunar surface, in addition to preparing NASA to send the first astronauts to Mars."
Reid Wiseman says goodbye with a heart
NASA Commander Reid Wiseman speaks with family members during a tour of the Neil A. Armstrong Operations and Verification Building and Launch Pad 39B in preparation for the Artemis II launch in Titusville.
Why are astronauts in quarantine?
To questions from users on social networks about why astronauts quarantine before launch, NASA replied that it is to protect their health."Although they interact with others during final preparations, NASA limits contact. This reduces the likelihood of getting sick before the flight and allows the mission to continue as planned," the agency explained.
Last words to the press: “I love you”
The astronauts greeted the media one last time before their journey while already wearing their special bright orange suits, custom-designed and with improvements to regulate their body temperature while providing greater protection and mobility.The team consisted of Commander Reed Wiseman, Specialist Christina Koch and Pilot Victor Glover, all three from NASA, as well as Jeremy Hansen from the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), who woke up around 09:25 (13:25 GMT)."I love you," Glover revealed in his latest statement to the press.
A four-hour process that requires a lot of maintenance.
In the near future, the Artemis II crew will demolish the barriers of the crew module and the external launch system of the emergency ship.Even one hair inside the hatches can cause problems when they are closed, so the process is done carefully and takes up to four hours.NASA explained that each step of the closure process ensures sealing and communications preparation for the mission.
Astronauts enter the ship
Crew members of NASA's Artemis II mission board the Orion spacecraft to begin monitoring communications and establishing voice communications with mission control and on-board systems. The Artemis II recovery team helps astronauts enter the spacecraft and make final preparations for their journey.
The Artemis II crew checks the integrity of the suits, helmets and gloves before boarding the Orion spacecraft.This step is more than just a ritual;It ensures connectivity and communication readiness of the spacecraft.The team guides the astronauts through these procedures and ensures all communications are secure before closing the hatch.
Artemis 2 astronauts arrive at launch pad
Four Artemis II astronauts have arrived at the launch site. They will depart Florida at 18:24 on Wednesday.(22:24 GMT), as NASA plans to launch a 10-day mission that will take them around the moon.
First the curiosity from the staff...
NASA revealed that "Before leaving the spacesuit compartment, the crew completed one last piece of unfinished business: a card game. As is tradition in spaceflight, NASA crews play cards up to the commander before leaving the pre-launch quarters, in which case NASA astronaut Reid Wiseman loses. It's the hope Luce hopes to lose, and it's losing everything. For the mission."
Let's go on stage!
Astronauts, already equipped with spacesuits for launch, head to the launch pad.Everything is going according to plan!
It's a media moment
Where we have the crew of Artemis II!
Artemis II astronauts posed for media photos and answered questions before proceeding to Kennedy Space Center's Launch Complex 39B.
Rescue and containment teams arrive at launch site 39B
NASA launch pad rescue and preparation teams have arrived at the Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39B to ensure safety and operability during the refueling operation.
The platform recovery team will be ready to respond immediately in the unlikely event of an emergency, ensuring safe evacuation procedures for personnel.Meanwhile, the closure team will be responsible for shutting down the Orion crew module and launching the abort system hatch, securing the access point, verifying the landing site configuration, and maintaining the integrity of the launch area during propellant loading and system checks.
"These teams are essential to reduce risk and support the complex coordination of Artemis II pre-launch activities. With both teams in operation, Artemis II is on track for its historic mission of sending astronauts around the Moon," NASA said.
Why is the spacesuit orange?
Orange suits are designed to protect astronauts during space travel.
NASA has redesigned many components to improve safety and freedom of movement, taking into account the customizations for each Artemis crew.
The outer layer is flame retardant, the zipper is strong and allows astronauts to put on the suit quickly, the thermal management system helps them stay cool and dry, the helmet is lighter and the gloves are more durable.Additionally, better-fitting boots provide protection in the event of a fire and allow astronauts to move more nimbly.
The astronaut program continues
Artemis II astronauts continue to don spacesuits.Specialized technicians assist the crew in their suits, which are specially designed to provide mobility and comfort to ensure maximum safety during the dynamic phases of flight.
On the other hand, during equipment preparation, NASA teams check for leaks, ensuring that all associated life support systems, including air and power, are working properly before the crew travels to Launch Complex 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center.
Straight, straight... Countdown to takeoff
All cryogenic stages of the SLS rocket have entered refueling mode during the countdown to the Artemis II launch.
The charging regime is crucial to maintaining stable fuel quantities and pressures, as supercooled fuels naturally evaporate over time.Constant adjustments keep the rocket fully fueled and ready for ignition, allowing the SLS main stage's RS-25 engines and the RL10 upper stage engine to perform their essential roles in launch and translunar injection.
According to NASA, these milestones coincide with the arrival of Artemis II at 1 hour and a 10-minute delay so that the crew can perform system checks, ensure launch readiness and make last-minute adjustments before proceeding with crew boarding and final fueling operations.
The crew begins preparations for Artemis II.
Why is weather important?
Accurate weather forecasts are essential to protect crew and equipment, as even minor changes can affect trim decisions and flight dynamics.
On Artemis II, the astronauts were briefed on wind speed, rain, lightning hazard and sea conditions for possible splash events, ensuring that all safety criteria are met before resuming launch operations.
Weather conditions are good
Astronauts on NASA's Artemis II mission received a final weather briefing as part of their pre-launch preparations.
The US agency reported that "forecasters from the Delta 45 space launch program of the US Space Force are monitoring 80% favorable conditions during the launch, with the main concerns being cumulus cloud law, rain law and wind on Earth."
Currently, the aircraft and ground crew continue to be coordinated and ready for takeoff.
Rapid liquid oxygen refueling of the SLS upper stage is complete, marking another milestone in fueling operations.
NASA teams confirm that the upper stage is in good condition and proceed to a venting and liquid oxygen release test.This step helps to verify correct pressure regulation and ensures that the system is ready to resume charging and, subsequently, replenishment operations.
NASA shares an interesting image of the SLS rocket: this is what its “legs” look like.
NASA's new update
The countdown to the Artemis II mission continues.This is what NASA announces on its update page: "Teams maintain liquid oxygen levels in the SLS rocket core stage using a refueling mode. This stage is performed after rapid filling of liquid oxygen and refueling is completed, ensuring that the oxidizer remains at an appropriate level for flight during the final countdown."
How long will the Artemis II moon mission last?
Once the SLS rocket takes off, the Orion rocket will head towards the satellite.The journey will take four days until we reach the farthest part of the moon, more than 230,000 miles from Earth.
The mission is scheduled to end on April 9, considering that the capsule will crash into the Pacific Ocean very close to the coast of California (USA), in one of the most complicated phases of the entire journey.
We remember what Artemis II's mission was
Artemis II is the next mission in NASA's mission to establish a human presence on Earth's satellites. In addition, it is responsible for taking four astronauts around the Moon on a 10-day mission to ensure that all the systems and equipment of the Orion spacecraft are working properly.
The mission is scheduled to launch at 6:24 p.m. local Florida time (12:24 a.m. April 2, Spanish Peninsula Time).
A picture of the tank filling process
NASA teams put the liquid hydrogen tank of the temporary cryogenic propulsion stage into refueling mode during the Artemis II calculations.
Filling operations are in progress
NASA Update: Artemis II crews have begun filling the liquid hydrogen tank of the intermediate cryogenic drive stage.This important step is performed after cooling and venting checks and ensuring that the tank reaches its maximum capacity with super-cold liquid hydrogen.
NASA remembers when to fly
NASA reminds in a publication on the social network that April 2 will be 0:24 Spanish peninsular time.
Additions have begun
On the announcement page of the Artemis II mission, it was announced that the filling of the middle stage of the SLS rocket with liquid hydrogen and the supply of liquid hydrogen had begun.
NASA explains that "priming is the final step of charging, designed to maintain proper levels as the supercooled engine naturally evaporates over time. This continuous, low-flow flow keeps the tanks full and thermally stable, keeping the rocket fueled and ready for takeoff."
Already expert of the month?
In this live, minute-by-minute coverage of the Artemis II mission.Now you are certainly an expert in space technology and especially the Moon.
We're putting you through a 10-question trivia quiz to uncover some interesting facts, review historical facts, and learn a little science about our inseparable satellite.If you haven't, we invite you to test your knowledge.
"Artemis II will bring back the excitement of exploring the Moon"
In an interview for 20bits, the director of the Spanish Space Agency, Juan Carlos Cortés, said that "Artemis II will bring the excitement of lunar exploration back to society."However, he added that "the big leap will come when humans land on the surface of the moon again, which is expected to be in 2028."
Rapid saturation of liquid hydrogen begins at a higher level
After completing the cooling phase, NASA proceeded to rapidly fill the SLS rocket's upper stage with liquid hydrogen.This step will quickly load the reservoirs with super-cold liquid hydrogen and ensure that the upper stage is ready for its important role of fueling and lifting the Orion spacecraft into high Earth orbit.
Cooling of the SLS rocket starts with liquid hydrogen
NASA began liquid hydrogen cooling on the upper stage of the SLS rocket to slowly cool the fuel lines and parts of the cryogenic intermediate stage.
By stabilizing the system at these extreme temperatures, engineers will ensure a safe and efficient supply of fuel to the upper stage that will help Orion in high Earth orbit on its journey to the Moon.
Hello, statue!
NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch along with CSA Astronaut Jeremy Hansen officially started the first day at 9:25 a.m. in Florida (it's 3:25 p.m. Spanish time in our country). Everything is going well!
Latest update from NASA
"Artemis II launches continue to accelerate the critical phase of the SLS rocket with liquid hydrogen," the agency said in its update.
Once the slow fill phase is complete, this stage quickly loads subcooled liquid hydrogen into the rocket's large tanks, bringing them closer to maximum capacity.Liquid hydrogen flows at a much higher rate, which reduces the overall refueling time and ensures safety because the system is already in a thermal state.
Current image of the SLS rocket and the Orion spacecraft
NASA continues to slowly add liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen.
NASA reports that the Artemis II launch team has begun slowly filling the SLS rocket's middle stage with liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen.
"The slow fill reduces the thermal stress on the components and ensures a smooth transition before moving to the fast refueling phase. This is an important step in the countdown that prepares the ground for the full refueling process. After the slow refueling process for both propellants is complete, the equipment moves to the fast refueling phase," the US company said.
The cooling process has started
Good news!The Artemis II launch team has begun cooling the liquid oxygen and hydrogen transfer lines for the SLS rocket's main stage.
NASA explains on its update page that "cooling is a critical step in preparing the rocket for safe and efficient refueling, reducing risk and maintaining system integrity. This process slowly cools the rocket's pipelines and engine systems to cryogenic temperatures using supercooled liquid hydrogen, helping to avoid thermal shock and ensuring that the material is prepared for full discharge."
After the cooling process is complete, the machine will start slow filling operations, followed by fast filling operations.
Final preparations for Artemis II begin
NASA has provided a page with all updates on the Artemis II mission.
According to the space agency, Artemis launch director Charlie Blackwell Thompson has formally approved filling the fuel tank. Additionally, the NASA team is ready to begin loading propellant into the SLS rocket.
This essential step begins by cooling the liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen transfer lines in the core stage, thus preparing the rocket for its historic mission.
There is a record of Artemis II.
This historic mission is surrounded by interesting and unknown details that make it more important in space exploration, such as, for example, the first woman to walk on the Moon or the total distance traveled by the crew of Artemis II.
“Good luck Artemis II.
Greetings from the International Space Station to the crew of the Artemis II mission.This is what astronaut Jessica Meier shares on her social network X profile:
Did you sign up for NASA?
In September last year, the United States Space Agency opened a registration on its website so that anyone from anywhere in the world can enter their names and get a modern entry permit.All names received after the registration process is closed are included in a memory card that will travel on board during the Artemis-2 mission.
NASA revealed on social media X that they have "a total of 5,647,889 names on orbiting the moon."
NASA continues to monitor the weather
NASA reports in an official statement that "meteorologists aboard the US space force's Delta 45 rocket will continue to monitor the weather leading up to liftoff."
Currently, the forecast shows an 80% chance of good weather conditions, cumulus clouds, coastal winds and solar activity are the main concerns.
The Spanish Government's Commitment to Space Exploration
The Spanish government has increased its commitment to exploration work, contributing €134 million to ESA's 2025 exploration program during a ministerial meeting in Bremen.
This investment demonstrates continued support for manned missions and positions Spain at the forefront of the new space cycle.
Spain is a relevant actor in this historic mission
In May 2023, the President of the Government signed the accession of Spain to the Artemis program, a very important agreement and alliance in space affairs between the United States and Spain to develop a permanent presence on the lunar surface to carry out the first manned flights to Mars.
Our country is part of this strategic mission through its contribution to the European Space Agency (ESA).
What will the astronauts on the Artemis II mission eat?
NASA has designed a special menu for the ten days that the crew will stay in the orbit of the satellite.This diet is carefully planned to ensure that the astronauts have all the nutrients necessary to meet the demands of the mission.
"With no refueling, refrigeration, or delayed loading capabilities, all food on board the Orion spacecraft must be carefully selected to ensure safety, durability, preparation, and ease of consumption," NASA explains on its website.
G-force resistance training of astronauts
Astronauts and pilots of high-performance aircraft face extreme conditions during their missions.One of them is G forces, accelerations that multiply the weight of the body and can cause loss of consciousness.
One of the keys to training is learning breathing techniques called anti-G maneuvers, which consist of controlled, forced breathing while the body's muscles are tight.The goal is to maintain blood pressure in the upper body and ensure the brain still receives adequate oxygen.In addition, they learn to recognize the first signs of vision loss or dizziness, which allows them to act before losing consciousness.
How much do you know about the moon?
The Artemis II mission is the result of more than fifteen years of work, involving many countries, including Spain, on issues as diverse as the system that would keep astronauts alive on their way to the moon.
Now, while Earth's satellite is well known, really... how much do you know about the Moon?We tested you with a 10-question trivia quiz to discover fun facts, review historical facts and learn a little science about our inseparable satellite.
A mission to find out more about the hidden side of the moon
For centuries, this half of the Moon could only be guessed indirectly.When she was finally photographed, her appearance turned out to be significantly different than she had imagined.
This lunar region is characterized by a high concentration of craters and some large basalt plains (called "oceans"). The terrain is more rugged and complex, and the crust is thicker than the spherical one seen from Earth. One of its most prominent features is the South Pole-Aitken Basin, which is considered one of the largest impact structures in the Solar System.
This is what the mission-ready SLS rocket looks like
The transfer of the SLS rocket to the launch site had to be done with great care and precision.NASA's Crawler-Transporter 2 measures 40 meters long and 35 meters wide (like a baseball field), is made up of eight large tracks with electric motors and at 3,000 tons is the heaviest autonomous vehicle in the world.
"At a maximum speed of only 1.32 km / h, Crawler-Transporter 2 carries the lunar rocket and a 98.5-meter high plane slowly and steadily to the launch pad," NASA said in its statement.This speed is necessary to move thousands of tons of stone without causing vibrations or damage.
The rocket that would allow Orion to land on the Moon
Orion cannot reach the moon without SLS rocket propulsion.Because the SLS rocket is the most powerful spacecraft built by NASA to lay the foundation for human exploration beyond Earth orbit.Additionally, with its unprecedented capabilities, SLS is the only rocket capable of delivering the Orion spacecraft, carrying four astronauts and a large payload, to the Moon in a single launch.
It is possible to track the location of the Orion spacecraft and crew
According to the information shared by NASA on its official website, through the AROW application, citizens will be able to see the data collected by Orion's sensors, including its distance to Earth, its distance to the Moon or the duration of the mission.
Additionally, it will provide this data continuously in real-time from approximately one minute after liftoff until Orion enters Earth's atmosphere at the end of its mission.
This is the system that saves the astronauts in case of failure
In a human mission, there is something as important as the weight of the rocket itself: safety.And that's where the Launch Launch System (LAS) comes in, a tower-like structure on top of the Orion capsule that serves as a last resort should something go wrong in the most vulnerable moment.Its function is simple and important: to remove astronauts from danger in a few milliseconds, like a 'push button'.
LAS is not a single mechanism, but a set of systems that work in a coordinated manner and are activated automatically.First, the abort engine kicks in, ejecting the capsule from the rocket.The attitude control engine is then responsible for stabilizing the engine and aligning it correctly during escape.Finally, the separation motor disconnects the tower when it is no longer needed, allowing the capsule to continue its descent safely.Allows parachute deployment for landing.
NASA knows the weather well
Three hours before the Orion spacecraft takes off, NASA will launch a sounding balloon to collect data on wind direction.This will allow them to know weather conditions and determine if Artemis II is still suitable to carry out the mission.They are also very aware of gathering clouds, because if they form rain, they can compromise the mission.
What will the return to earth be like?
After completing the return, the ship will return home, with several more days of crossing where the team will monitor all systems.The reentry will end with re-entry into Earth's atmosphere at about 40,000 kilometers per hourOrion's heat shield will have to withstand extreme temperatures before the capsule deploys its parachute and lands in the Pacific Ocean, where the teams will see NASA return it.
The most critical moment of the mission
Once the confirmations are complete, one of the defining moments will come: the rain heading towards the moon.For several days, the astronauts will travel through space, a much more hostile and demanding environment than the low orbit in which the International Space Station moves.In addition to constant monitoring of the spacecraft, astronauts must confirm procedures, check systems and perform manual tasks intended for future missions.
As it approaches the Moon, Orion creates a trajectory that moves the satellite further away from its hidden side.
This will be the first hour of the Artemis II mission
After completing the appropriate quarantine, the four people will fly from Florida.Those first few minutes are crucial, as SLS will be the moment when the Orion spacecraft leaves Earth's atmosphere in eight minutes, before separating the stages and leaving the capsule in its initial orbit around Earth.
During the first hours of the mission, the crew will perform basic operations and check that all systems are working properly.It will also be the time for one of the most interesting tests: a docking application simulation, where Orion will be temporarily detached from a high position before re-acquiring it, trying out operations that will be important in future missions.
Christina Koch, the record-breaking astronaut
Women are conquering more territory every day (including, in this case, the Moon), and when it comes to this mission, it's hard not to highlight the role of Christina Koch, who spent a total of 328 days in space, breaking the record for the longest solo spaceflight by a woman, and participating in the first all-female spacewalk.
Christina Koch is an engineer and researcher, who was selected as an astronaut in 2013, starting a remarkable career in space exploration.His previous experience includes participating in Expeditions 59, 60 and 61 on the International Space Station during almost all of 2019.
Jeremy Hansen, member of the Canadian flight crew
Jeremy Hansen is a Canadian Space Agency (CSA) astronaut and was selected in 2009. Before becoming an astronaut, he was a fighter pilot in the Royal Canadian Air Force, piloting CF-18 aircraft in Alberta.
Over time, he reached the rank of colonel, where he strengthened his military and aviation career.At the age of 17, he already had a private pilot's license, and later graduated with a degree in aerospace science, in addition to a master's degree in physics.
Hansen continued to develop his experience as a pilot and officer before completing his astronaut training in 2011. In 2014, he participated as an astronaut in NASA's NEEMO 19 underwater mission, increasing his training in extreme environments.
Victor Glover, another crew member on the moon
Victor Glover, who was selected as an astronaut in 2013 while serving as a US Senate aide, also accompanies Wiseman.Most recently, he served as pilot of the Crew-1 Dragon "Resilience" spacecraft, which traveled to the International Space Station.While there, he also gained space experience as a flight engineer on Expeditions 64 and 65.
Reid Wiseman, mission director
Wiseman has been named commander of NASA's Artemis II mission.27-year-old Navy veteran, pilot and engineer, New York. He earned a Bachelor of Science from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy and a Master of Science in Systems Engineering from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore.
He was selected as an astronaut by NASA in 2009 and served as a flight engineer on the International Space Station for Expedition 41 from May to November 2014. During the 165-day mission, Reid and his colleagues completed more than 300 scientific studies in areas such as human physiology, medicine, physical science, earth science and earth science.
Astronauts on Artemis II
And who exactly makes up this crew?NASA announced the names of four astronauts on April 3, 2023, in an announcement that marked the beginning of a new phase of human lunar exploration.Since then, their profiles and trajectories have been focused as part of the information meant to make history.
When you put this information in front of the most recent lunar mission, it is worth noting that a manned Artemis II would take 4 days to reach the moon on the way and 4 days to return to Earth, for about 10 days.
But how long does a month take?
Calculating the length of time required to achieve this is a complicated issue.And that's because it depends on many factors.According to scientific communicator Alejandro Riveiro, it can be calculated with the current movement method for three days.However, it is possible to replay historical data from missions around the moon and see that the data changes depending on the mission, the energy system used and even the trajectory.
Spain's role in the Artemis II mission
Around 30 Spanish engineers are involved in the design and manufacture of the thermal control unit (TCU) that will travel on the ship.It is a duplicate system to guarantee backup in case of failure. In this context, Jesús Ortiz, responsible for the architecture of the Orion ESM TCU at Airbus Crisa, emphasizes its importance: “It is a fundamental unit for the survival of astronauts.It will control the temperature inside Orion and also control the water and air supply for the astronauts,” he explained to Europa Press.
The Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, which was the centerpiece of the launch, also contributed to the delays.It is one of the most powerful vehicles NASA has ever built, but also one of the most complex.Its development has been marked by integration challenges, technical challenges, a highly fragmented supply chain, and political and economic tensions.Less than a year ago the explosion
The first major warning came after the successful unmanned Artemis I mission, which in 2022 flew around the Moon. Although the mission achieved its goal, subsequent analysis found unexpected behavior of the Orion capsule's heat shield as it re-entered the Earth's atmosphere.This was not a critical failure, but it was significant enough to force NASA to revise the craft's design and conduct new tests.
The reason for Artemis II's delay
When NASA set the schedule for the program, humanity did not know that a global pandemic would occur. But Covid is not the only reason: Artemis 2 was not delayed for one reason, but rather because of an accumulation of technical problems, political decisions and industrial complexities.
What is the purpose of the mission
Artemis II will be the first time in more than half a century that humans have gone into deep space, although, unlike the 1970s voyage, this time it won't just plant a flag and show that it can be achieved.
Now the goal is much more ambitious: to establish a permanent presence on the Moon and use it as a testbed for future Mars flights.Basically, Artemis II is the first real step towards a new research model.
Where to watch the Artemis II moon launch?
NASA will have full coverage of the mission, broadcasting everything from the advance setup to the mission itself.You can follow NASA's YouTube channel and we will cover the last hour in 20-bit detail.
Welcome to live!
Welcome readers!Starting at 20 bits, we announce the launch of NASA's Artemis 2 mission minute by minute, and the countdown to the moon begins!
