NASA Clears Artemis II For Trans-Lunar Injection, Prepares Moon Orbit
Key Takeaways
- Four astronauts launched aboard SLS/Orion from Kennedy Space Center for a 10-day lunar loop.
- Artemis II will loop around the Moon without landing, testing operations for a 2028 landing.
- Perigee raise burn completed, advancing Artemis II toward the translunar injection.
Artemis II Prepares Moon Trajectory
NASA confirmed Artemis II is GO for the translunar injection burn.
The 5-minute-49-second burn will propel Orion on a free-return trajectory around the moon.
The crew managed hygiene without gravity and exercised after sleeping in shifts.
BBC described the SLS as the most powerful rocket ever built by NASA.
Mission Tracker and Milestones
WESH noted Orion was about 42,500 miles from Earth.
The mission management team pulled a go for TLI after review.
USA Today shared the first image of Earth from Orion.
President Trump congratulated the team, emphasizing historic distances.
Orion System Issues and Challenges
Christina Koch reported a problem with Orion's onboard toilet system.
NASA confirmed the toilet fan was jammed.
The mission pressed forward with the TLI burn despite the hiccup.
This early challenge underscores the complexity of deep space life support.
More on Technology and Science
NASA's Artemis II Launches Four Astronauts on First Crewed Moon Mission in 54 Years
11 sources compared
Artemis II Launch: 11-Year-Old's Viral Reaction and Moon Mission
11 sources compared
Artemis II Launches, Astronauts Begin Historic Moon Flyby
27 sources compared
NASA's Artemis II Launches Four Astronauts on 10-Day Lunar Flyby
32 sources compared