Goonhilly Earth Station in the UK is gearing up to support Nasa’s upcoming Artemis 2 mission to the Moon. The spacecraft is scheduled for launch from the US in early April, marking the first time astronauts will orbit the Moon in over 50 years.
The Artemis 2 launch at Kennedy Space Centre in Florida must occur between Wednesday and the following Monday, otherwise, it will be postponed until the end of the month. Goonhilly Earth Station, located near Helston, Cornwall, will assist in tracking the Orion spacecraft’s journey to and from the Moon.
Having previously played a role in broadcasting the Apollo 11 Moon landing in 1969 and facilitating the landing of a commercial spacecraft on the Moon, the satellite and space company is now set to provide essential communication and tracking support for Nasa’s Artemis 2 mission.
Matthew Cosby, the chief technology officer of Goonhilly Earth Station, emphasized the significance of the upcoming mission, stating that Cornwall’s capabilities are vital to the success of the mission. The station will track the Orion spacecraft, showcasing its readiness for future crewed Artemis missions and positioning the UK as a key player in Nasa’s Moon to Mars exploration strategy.
Goonhilly is also collaborating with the UK Space Agency and Nasa on solutions for near-real-time space weather measurements. Baroness Lloyd, the UK government minister in charge of space, commended Goonhilly’s historical contributions to space communication, highlighting the importance of the partnership with Nasa for showcasing British expertise and innovation on a global scale.
