The Artemis II crew is completing key tasks aboard the Orion capsule as they prepare for their scheduled splashdown off the coast of San Diego on Friday night at 8:07 p.m. EDT. The Orion capsule is currently about 200,000 miles away from Earth. Today, the crew will demonstrate how onboard supplies can be used to construct a radiation shelter for protection if needed. They will also test the capsule’s manual piloting capabilities by steering it through various tasks. Later today, NASA is expected to provide more details about the splashdown timeline. During a news conference yesterday, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced that the mobile launcher will roll back from the pad to the Vehicle Assembly Building in the coming days, months ahead of schedule compared to the Artemis I launch. “The tower suffered considerable damage during Artemis I,” Isaacman said. “But mission managers say most of the damage this time around is cosmetic.” The Artemis II crew continues their journey, and updates will be provided as they progress toward splashdown.W2lmcmFtZSBzcmM9Imh0dHBzOi8vaGVhcnN0dGVsZXZpc2lvbmRhdGFqb3VybmFsaXNtLmh0dmFwcHMuY29tL21vb24tbW9kZWwvaW5kZXguaHRtbCIgc2Nyb2xsaW5nPSJubyIgZnJhbWVib3JkZXI9IjAiIHN0eWxlPSJtaW4td2lkdGg6IDEwMCUgIWltcG9ydGFudDsgYm9yZGVyOiBub25lOyBoZWlnaHQ6OTAwcHg7IiBdWy9pZnJhbWVdFull mission timelineThe Artemis II flight plan consists of several key phases.Launch and Earth OrbitAfter liftoff, the SLS rocket will place Orion into an initial orbit around Earth. During the first day or two, astronauts will conduct system checks to confirm that the spacecraft’s life-support systems, propulsion, and communications equipment are functioning correctly.NASA intentionally schedules many early tests while the spacecraft is still relatively close to Earth so that mission controllers can respond quickly if any problems arise.Translunar injectionOnce systems are verified, the spacecraft will perform a critical engine burn known as translunar injection, which will send Orion toward the Moon.Over the next several days, the crew will monitor spacecraft systems while coasting through deep space.Lunar flybyAs Orion approaches the Moon, it will swing around the far side in a large figure-eight trajectory. The Moon’s gravity will bend the spacecraft’s path and accelerate it back toward Earth.Although the spacecraft will not enter lunar orbit or attempt a landing, it will travel deep into the Moon’s vicinity, demonstrating navigation and communication capabilities required for future missions.Return to EarthOn the return trip, astronauts will conduct additional experiments and system tests.Finally, Orion will re-enter Earth’s atmosphere at extreme speed before parachuting into the Pacific Ocean for recovery by U.S. Navy ships.Artemis II astronauts answer questions about mission and splashdown
The Artemis II crew is completing key tasks aboard the Orion capsule as they prepare for their scheduled splashdown off the coast of San Diego on Friday night at 8:07 p.m. EDT.
The Orion capsule is currently about 200,000 miles away from Earth.
Today, the crew will demonstrate how onboard supplies can be used to construct a radiation shelter for protection if needed.
They will also test the capsule’s manual piloting capabilities by steering it through various tasks.
Later today, NASA is expected to provide more details about the splashdown timeline.
During a news conference yesterday, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced that the mobile launcher will roll back from the pad to the Vehicle Assembly Building in the coming days, months ahead of schedule compared to the Artemis I launch.
“The tower suffered considerable damage during Artemis I,” Isaacman said. “But mission managers say most of the damage this time around is cosmetic.”
The Artemis II crew continues their journey, and updates will be provided as they progress toward splashdown.
Full mission timeline
The Artemis II flight plan consists of several key phases.
Launch and Earth Orbit
After liftoff, the SLS rocket will place Orion into an initial orbit around Earth. During the first day or two, astronauts will conduct system checks to confirm that the spacecraft’s life-support systems, propulsion, and communications equipment are functioning correctly.
NASA intentionally schedules many early tests while the spacecraft is still relatively close to Earth so that mission controllers can respond quickly if any problems arise.
Translunar injection
Once systems are verified, the spacecraft will perform a critical engine burn known as translunar injection, which will send Orion toward the Moon.
Over the next several days, the crew will monitor spacecraft systems while coasting through deep space.
Lunar flyby
As Orion approaches the Moon, it will swing around the far side in a large figure-eight trajectory. The Moon’s gravity will bend the spacecraft’s path and accelerate it back toward Earth.
Although the spacecraft will not enter lunar orbit or attempt a landing, it will travel deep into the Moon’s vicinity, demonstrating navigation and communication capabilities required for future missions.
Return to Earth
On the return trip, astronauts will conduct additional experiments and system tests.
Finally, Orion will re-enter Earth’s atmosphere at extreme speed before parachuting into the Pacific Ocean for recovery by U.S. Navy ships.
