tech
Key day for the Artemis II mission: this Monday the final phase of its approach to the Moon begins
The mission, which began on Wednesday, entered what NASA calls the lunar sphere of influence. Photo: AFP
TL;DR
- Artemis II astronauts are in the final phase of their Moon approach, entering the lunar sphere of influence.
- The Orion spacecraft will perform a record-breaking lunar flyby, the first since 1972.
- The crew has tested manual piloting and scientific observation plans.
- Astronauts captured a unique image of the Moon's Eastern Sea, visible to human eyes for the first time.
- The mission aims to gather data on the Orion spacecraft, which has not previously carried humans.
- Artemis II is part of a long-term plan for sustained lunar presence and eventual human landings.
- The crew is positioned farther from the Moon than Apollo missions, offering a broader view.