NASA is preparing for Artemis II mission. This mission — Artemis I — will be the first step in the agency’s ambitious agenda to return humans to the Moon and eventually onto Mars. The mission will launch through a very short window beginning April 1, 2024. It will be a little more than 10 days long and will be the first crewed flight of NASA’s gargantuan Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, with the Orion deep space capsule in tow.
The Artemis II mission will be much more than just a technological test. It will be a momentous journey into deep space. With plans to send its astronauts farther than any human has ever traveled before, this mission offers the promise of greater adventure and discovery than ever. The crew features a record number of astronauts. Included in that group are Jeremy Hansen of the Canadian Space Agency and Jessica Meir, the U.S. astronaut who spent 204 days aboard the International Space Station in 2019.
During the mission, the astronauts will be able to recline in two rows of two. They will lie supine, with the backs of their heads on the ground. Their primary objective is to do a lunar flyby. They will test what it takes to keep the Orion capsule safe and sound in the harsh environment of deep space. The crew will act as medical guinea pigs for the mission’s scientific work. Along the way, they’ll gather and transmit back to Earth important data and imagery from their journey.
One of the key parts of the Artemis II mission is going out beyond the Moon, thousands of kilometers. This expedition is intended to thoroughly test Orion’s life-support systems, propulsion, power and navigation capabilities. These tests will help ensure a safe return to Earth. In addition, they serve as precursors for future missions that will land humans on the lunar surface.
On their return, the crew will face a challenging high-speed re-entry through Earth’s atmosphere. Answer: They’ll eventually splashdown off the west coast of the United States in the Pacific Ocean. The Artemis program is leading America’s next great endeavor to return humans to the Moon. Join us as we prepare for the next historic launch in 2028 with Artemis V!
NASA has orchestrated the launch windows for Artemis II precisely to match with favorable lunar alignment. After March 30, the next earliest possible dates for launch are April 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6 of next year. This timing is essential to ensuring mission success and crew safety as our astronauts dive into this new and historic journey.