The colossal Artemis 2 Moon rocket is currently stationed on the launchpad at the Kennedy Space Centre, poised for its imminent departure in just a few hours. This marks the first crewed flight to the Moon since 1972, with a scheduled liftoff around 10.24pm UK time tonight, pending favorable weather conditions.
Inside NASA’s Artemis 2 Moon rocket, the four astronauts will be confined within the compact Orion crew capsule for the entire 10-day journey. Standing at 98m tall and weighing around 2.6 million kg when fueled, the massive SLS or Space Launch System comprises two substantial rocket boosters and four engines essential for propelling Artemis 2 towards lunar orbit.
The core stage of the rocket is a massive orange fuel tank holding over three million liters of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen required to propel the astronauts beyond Earth’s atmosphere. Atop these powerful engines and fuel reservoir lies the Orion spacecraft, serving as the astronauts’ living quarters during the mission.
Measuring a mere 5m-wide by 3m-high, the tiny crew module will accommodate the crew’s activities such as eating, sleeping, exercising, working, and using the restroom. With approximately 10 cubic meters of habitable space, the capsule’s interiors are comparable to that of a medium-sized van.
The launch, initially delayed due to technical issues, is now targeted for the early phase of the launch window running from April 1 to April 6. The mission’s duration, expected to be around 10 days, will depend on the exact launch date within this window and the Earth-Moon positioning.
Following liftoff, the astronauts will ascend to a high orbit 45,000 miles above Earth to conduct system checks before proceeding towards the Moon. Once in lunar vicinity, they will observe the lunar surface from a distance, experiencing a brief communication blackout with Earth as they pass behind the Moon.
Upon completion of their lunar flyby, the crew will commence the return journey, re-entering Earth’s atmosphere and splashing down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California for recovery. This mission, part of a series aimed at human lunar exploration and potential base construction, signifies a significant step towards humanity’s return to the Moon.
The crew, comprising Commander Reid Wiseman, Jeremy Hansen, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, have diligently trained together for this historic mission, with each astronaut bringing special items and personal effects aboard. Their journey, broadcasted live, represents a pivotal moment in space exploration history.
