How the Artemis II flight to the Moon is progressing
Kyiv • UNN
The Orion crew successfully performed a trans-lunar injection maneuver to fly around the satellite. This is the first human flight beyond Earth orbit since 1972.
Four astronauts of the Artemis II mission have left Earth's orbit and set course for the Moon after the successful launch of the Orion capsule's main engine. This was announced by NASA after the trans-lunar injection (TLI) maneuver, which lasted about 5 minutes and 50 seconds, writes UNN.
Details
After this, Orion entered a trajectory to fly around the far side of the Moon and then return to Earth. This is the first time since 1972 that humans have traveled beyond Earth's orbit towards the Moon.
Situation on board
After the key maneuver, the crew contacted flight control. Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen reported that the team was feeling well, and mission commander Reid Wiseman said that the astronauts saw an "amazing view" of Earth from pole to pole.
Before entering lunar trajectory, Orion spent almost a day in high Earth orbit. During this time, NASA checked the ship's engines, navigation, and life support systems.
Return to Earth
In the coming days, the spacecraft is expected to orbit the Moon and pass behind its far side. After this, Orion will use lunar gravity to return to Earth.
NASA expects that during the flight, the crew will be able to see Earth at a record distance, as well as observe spectacular cosmic phenomena, including a total solar eclipse near the Moon.