NASA begins first crewed deep-space mission in more than five decades with successful liftoff and ascent milestones
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom,
NASA’s Artemis II mission is underway, marking the first crewed deep-space flight in more than 50 years as four astronauts launch aboard the Space Launch System rocket from Kennedy Space Center in Florida on a planned journey around the Moon and back.
NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman (Commander), Victor Glover (Pilot), and Christina Koch (Mission Specialist), along with Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen (Mission Specialist), launch from Kennedy Space Center in Florida at approximately 6:35 p.m. on April 1, beginning a 10-day mission around the Moon and back.
The Artemis II mission marks the first crewed flight of both NASA’s Space Launch System, the agency’s heavy-lift rocket designed for deep-space exploration, and the Orion spacecraft crew capsule. The mission also serves as the first crewed test of Orion’s service module, which is provided by the European Space Agency and is responsible for power generation, environmental control, and propulsion throughout the flight.
Following liftoff, the spacecraft begins its journey on a free-return trajectory that will carry the crew nearly 700,000 miles through deep space, looping around the Moon before returning to Earth without entering lunar orbit. The mission is designed to evaluate spacecraft performance, crew systems, and operational procedures in a deep-space environment.
The launch represents a major milestone in NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to establish a sustained human presence on the Moon and lay the groundwork for future missions to Mars.
The mission lifted off from Kennedy Space Center aboard the Space Launch System rocket, carrying the Orion spacecraft on an approximately 10-day journey that will loop around the Moon and return to Earth. The flight marks a major milestone in NASA’s Artemis program and is designed to test critical systems needed for future lunar landings and long-duration missions.
On board are NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, along with Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen. The crew is traveling on a free-return trajectory that carries them nearly 700,000 miles through deep space, allowing the spacecraft to loop around the Moon and return without entering lunar orbit.
The launch follows a full day of coordinated countdown operations, including fueling the rocket with hundreds of thousands of gallons of super-cooled liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen, final system checks, and astronaut boarding procedures. Engineers verify the integrity of key safety systems, including the launch abort system and flight termination system, while closeout crews complete hatch sealing and pressure checks to ensure the spacecraft is ready for flight.
During ascent, the rocket shedded components no longer needed for flight, reducing weight and allowing the vehicle to continue accelerating toward orbit. The core stage completes its burn and separates, handing off propulsion duties to the upper stage that positions Orion for its journey beyond Earth.
Shortly after launch, Orion deployed its solar array wings, a critical step that provides continuous electrical power for life-support systems, communications, avionics, and onboard operations throughout the mission.
Artemis II is the first crewed test flight of NASA’s Orion spacecraft and Space Launch System and is expected to send astronauts farther from Earth than any previous human mission, potentially exceeding the distance record set during Apollo 13.
The mission is designed to validate life-support systems, navigation, and deep-space operations before NASA proceeds with future missions aimed at landing astronauts on the lunar surface and eventually sending humans to Mars.
As Orion continues its journey, the mission represents a significant step forward in expanding human presence beyond Earth orbit and establishing the foundation for sustained exploration of the Moon and beyond. I’m
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