The fourth is the charm. After a long list of cancellations and problems, the Artemis 1 mission has been a complete success. In this way, NASA has launched its SLS rocket propelling the Orion spacecraft to the Moon this November 16 at 7:45 in the morning (Spain time). Now that he’s on his way, Orion has taken a look at his home planet, Earth, capturing her for our enjoyment before saying goodbye.
Let’s remember that the Orion capsule, from Artemis 1, is equipped with 16 different cameras. With them, you will not only take beautiful photos of the Earth and the Moon. With these instruments, the ship will be in charge of gathering information on its way to the natural satelliteas well as during your return trip.
This morning, NASA launched its SLS rocket from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. About an hour later, the Orion spacecraft successfully separated from the top of the rocket, beginning its solo journey to the Moon. Behind this, started a translunar injection maneuverwhich definitely catapulted her on the right path, and at a speed of 36,370 kilometers per hour.
Other details of the Artemis 1 mission and the arrival of Orion on the Moon
The Orion spacecraft is scheduled to travel 25 days, 11 hours, and 36 minutes to its final destination: the Moon. During this time, will travel 2.1 million kilometers to reach the surface of the satellite, although without landing on it. From here, she will begin her tasks of orbiting the moon.
But Orion it will not be limited to revolving around the celestial body. In addition, he has the job of taking science to the satellite. Thus, he will look for water on the Moon; it will launch a mini-satellite bound for an asteroid, and it will check the human body’s reaction to prolonged space exposure.
On December 11, Orion is expected to return to Earth.making its landing off the coast of San Diego, California, in the Pacific Ocean.
Let’s remember that Orion is an unmanned spacecraft. Artemis 1, as its name indicates, marks the first step in a series of missions aimed at sending humanity back to the Moon. In addition, NASA already has plans to create 3D-printed lunar stations where astronauts can live comfortably, while others will orbit the Moon in a future version of the Orion spacecraft, much like the International Space Station.