NASA prepares for first human Moon mission since 1972 this week
Technology
And it began with Artemis I on November 16, 2022, when Nasa successfully tested its Space Launch System and Orion spacecraft during an uncrewed flight.
(Web Desk) - NASA is preparing to send astronauts on a historic Moon mission this week – for the first time since 1972.
This historic Artemis II mission could take place as soon as Sunday, February 8, kicking off the space race for a new generation.
Nasa Artemis program is a series of Moon exploration missions that was established back in 2017.
And it began with Artemis I on November 16, 2022, when Nasa successfully tested its Space Launch System and Orion spacecraft during an uncrewed flight.
Now Nasa is hoping to complete a crewed test flight on the SLS and Orion this month.
It will see four astronauts launched into space where they’ll whizz around the Moon on a trajectory that brings the craft back to Earth.
This 10-day mission is expected to take place as soon as February 8 (coincidentally, that’s Super Bowl Sunday) – and no later than April 30 this year.
And if all goes to plan, Nasa will follow it up with Artemis III as soon as 2028.
This even bolder mission will see American astronauts land on the lunar surface for the first time since Apollo 17 in December 1972.
And that’ll include two “extravehicular activities” on the lunar surface, where they’ll spend around 6.5 days.
Nasa has Artemis missions planned right through to Artemis X in 2036 (though only Artemis III, IV and V are officially on the books), which would mark the eighth crewed lunar landing of the program.
But for those to get ahead, Nasa needs to get Artemis II right by proving that the SLS and Orion can safely carry astronauts to the Moon and back.
It’s still not exactly clear when Artemis II will take off from Kennedy Space Centre in Florida, USA.
On January 30, Nasa confirmed that February 6 and 7 were “no longer viable opportunities”.
And any delays in the wet dress rehearsal or weather problems could push the event back further.
At the time of writing, the launch will take place no earlier than February 8 at 11.23pm local time in Florida – that’s February 9 in the UK at 4.20am.
And it would be expected to touch down on February 17, 2026 in the Pacific Ocean.
