tech
The secrets of the Orion capsule: the home of the Artemis II mission astronauts
More than fifty years after the Apollo program, humanity returns to lunar orbit with the Artemis II mission, a ten-day journey that marks a milestone in space exploration.
TL;DR
- The Artemis II mission is a historic return to lunar orbit after more than fifty years.
- Four astronauts are on a ten-day journey in the Orion capsule, launched by the Space Launch System rocket.
- The mission itinerary includes positioning the capsule, testing piloting, lunar orbit, and using lunar gravity for Earth return.
- The Orion capsule has modern interiors with a habitable space of over nine cubic meters, vibration-absorbing seats, and digital screens.
- The capsule is designed to withstand extreme temperatures (around 2,700 degrees Celsius) at high speeds (40,000 km/h).
- The European service module provides essential electricity, oxygen, water, and propulsion.
- The mission mascot, Rise, is a plush moon toy that confirms zero gravity entry and carries a microSD card with 5.6 million names.