What is the Artemis II mission? The first step of humans back to the moon
Artemis II Mission: An important step in space exploration
After more than fifty years since the era of the Apollo program, NASA again sent humans around the moon through the Artemis II mission which was launched on April 1. This mission became an important moment in modern space exploration efforts as well as paving the way for the return of humans to the surface of the moon.
The Artemis II mission will last for about 10 days and bring four astronauts to explore further into space than before humans. Although it will not land on the moon, the crew of this mission will surround it, testing various important systems in preparation for future human landings. The mission will be the first from the 1960s to the 1970s.
Tujuan Misi Artemis II
The Artemis II mission brought four astronauts, namely Reid Weisman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen. This is the first manned flight using the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion capsule. Hansen will also make history as the first Canadian astronaut to travel around the Moon with the Canadian Space Agency.
During the mission, astronauts will test Orion’s performance directly, including flying capsules manually in Earth’s orbit to train the maneuvers and alignments needed in future landing missions. After that, they will continue the journey for thousands of kilometers through the moon to test vital systems such as life support, propulsion, power, and navigation.
Become a subject of medical research
In addition to testing technology, the Artemis II crew will also act as a medical research subject. They will send various data and images from outer space in real conditions to help scientists understand how the human body adapts in an environment that is more extreme than Earth’s low orbit.
During the mission, the astronauts will work in a narrow cabin in conditions without gravity. The radiation level they receive is also higher than at the International Space Station, although it is still within safe limits. After about 10 days, the journey will be closed with the process of returning to the challenging Earth. The capsule will penetrate the atmosphere with a strong shock before finally landing in the Pacific Ocean, off the west coast of the United States.
will not land on the moon
Despite being a manned mission to around the moon, Artemis II will not make a landing. The main goal is to prepare for the next missions that will actually bring humans back to the surface of the moon.
NASA has planned Artemis III in 2027 as an advanced test phase, including a simulation of meetings (rendezvous) and Orion capsule docking with a lunar landing vehicle, as well as testing new spacesuits. After that, the Artemis IV mission targeted at 2028 will be an important moment when astronauts finally head to the south pole of the moon. This area is believed to hold a lot of scientific and resource potential.
With the role of the first manned trial mission in the Artemis program, Artemis II became a crucial step before humans actually returned to the moon. From technology testing to crew readiness, this mission will determine the success of the next space exploration journey, including the big ambition to set foot at the South Pole of the Moon.
