The Artemis II mission is currently underway, having launched on April 1, 2024. Here’s an overview of the 10-day schedule¹:
– Day 1 (April 1): Launch and Systems Check
– Successful launch from Kennedy Space Center
– Initial systems check and orbit refinement
– Day 2 (April 2): Departure for the Moon
– Translunar Injection burn to leave Earth’s orbit
– First live video from cabin
– Day 3 (April 3): Deep Space System Check
– Minor course correction to keep Orion on target
– Medical drills, including CPR in zero-gravity
– Day 4 (April 4): Trajectory Correction
– Fine-tuning approach to the Moon with a second correction burn
– Studying lunar maps and capturing deep-space photos
– Day 5 (April 5): Entering Moon’s Influence
– Orion enters lunar sphere of influence, Moon’s gravity takes over
– High-stakes drills in orange survival suits
– Day 6 (April 6): Lunar Flyby and Comms Blackout
– Closest approach to the Moon, breaking record for farthest human travel
– 30-50 minute communications blackout
– Documenting lunar surface up close
– Day 7 (April 7): Journey Home
– Orion exits lunar influence
– First of three return trajectory correction burns
– Day 8-9: Return Journey
– Radiation protection demonstration
– Manual piloting capability test
– Waste collection systems test
– Orthostatic intolerance garment fit checks
– Day 10: Return to Earth
– Final return trajectory correction burn
– Crew module separation from service module
– Re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere
– Splashdown in the Pacific Ocean
The mission aims to test life-support systems, navigation, and spacecraft performance in deep space, paving the way for future lunar landings and potential human missions to Mars.
