NASA’s Orion sets course for the moon
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NASA
American space and aeronautics agency
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA ) is an independent agency of the U.S. federal government responsible for the United States' civil space program and for research in aeronautics and space exploration. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., NASA operates ten field centers across th...
Artemis
Goddess of the hunt and the wild in ancient Greek religion and mythology
In ancient Greek religion and mythology, Artemis (; Ancient Greek: Ἄρτεμις) is the goddess of hunting, the wilderness, wild animals, transitions, nature, vegetation, childbirth, care of children, and chastity. In later times, she was identified with Selene, the personification of the Moon. She was o...
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Why It Matters
This mission represents a critical step in NASA's Artemis program to return humans to the lunar surface for the first time since 1972. It demonstrates the functionality of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft, which are essential for future crewed missions. The success of this uncrewed test flight directly impacts NASA's timeline for landing astronauts on the moon by 2025 and establishes the United States' position in the new era of lunar exploration. This development matters to the global space industry, international partners, and scientists who will benefit from lunar research opportunities.
Context & Background
- The Artemis program was announced in 2017 with the goal of returning humans to the moon and establishing sustainable lunar exploration
- NASA's last human moon landing was Apollo 17 in December 1972, ending the Apollo program that began in 1961
- The Orion spacecraft has been in development since 2005, originally as part of the Constellation program before being transferred to Artemis
- This Artemis I mission follows years of delays and budget overruns totaling over $20 billion for the SLS rocket development
- International partnerships including the European Space Agency (which built Orion's service module) and commercial space companies are integral to Artemis
What Happens Next
Orion will complete its lunar flyby and enter a distant retrograde orbit around the moon for approximately six days. The spacecraft will then perform another close lunar flyby before beginning its return journey to Earth, with splashdown in the Pacific Ocean scheduled for December 11, 2022. NASA will analyze data from this uncrewed mission to prepare for Artemis II, the first crewed Orion flight around the moon planned for 2024. If successful, Artemis III will follow with a lunar landing mission currently targeted for 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Artemis I is an uncrewed test flight to demonstrate the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft's performance in deep space. It validates critical systems like heat shield protection during re-entry and tests radiation exposure levels for future crewed missions. The mission collects engineering data to ensure astronaut safety on subsequent Artemis flights.
Artemis aims for sustainable lunar presence rather than brief visits, with plans for a lunar Gateway station and surface base. The program includes diverse crews, with plans for the first woman and person of color to walk on the moon. Artemis leverages international partnerships and commercial space companies in ways Apollo did not.
Orion carries biological experiments including plant seeds and algae to study radiation effects on organisms. It also carries mannequins equipped with radiation sensors to measure cosmic ray exposure. These experiments help prepare for long-duration human spaceflight to the moon and eventually Mars.
NASA sees the moon as a proving ground for Mars exploration technologies and a source of scientific discovery. Increased international competition, particularly from China's lunar ambitions, has created renewed urgency. The moon also offers potential resources like water ice that could support future space exploration.
Primary risks include the untested heat shield's performance during high-speed re-entry and potential radiation damage to spacecraft systems. The complex orbital maneuvers around the moon present navigation challenges. Any major failure could delay subsequent Artemis missions and impact NASA's credibility and budget.