Unveiling NASA's Artemis Program: The Journey to Moon

NASA's Artemis 1 mission, scheduled to take off on Monday, is a 42-day voyage beyond the far side of the Moon and back.

The meticulously choreographed uncrewed flight should yield spectacular images as well as valuable scientific data.

You can watch our live broadcasts on 28-29 august(pre-launch and Launch) at 12 UTC, on the Free AstroScience official facebook page or on FREE-SRI TV ..

Commencement of the Journey

From Kennedy Space Center's Launch Complex 39B in Florida, NASA's colossal Space Launch System (SLS) rocket is set to embark on its inaugural flight. Equipped with four RS-25 engines and flanked by two white boosters, the SLS will generate a breathtaking 8.8 million pounds of thrust, surpassing the Apollo program's Saturn V rocket by 15%. The thrusters, after a two-minute operation, will descend back into the Atlantic Ocean. 

Orion's Path to the Moon

Eight minutes into the journey, the orange-colored core stage will detach, leaving the Orion crew capsule, secured to the interim cryogenic propulsion stage, in control. This stage will guide Orion around Earth, set its trajectory towards the Moon, and detach approximately 90 minutes post-launch.

Orion's Mission

The Orion capsule, destined to carry astronauts in future missions and powered by a service module from the European Space Agency, will undertake a multi-day journey to the Moon. At its closest approach, Orion will cruise approximately 60 miles from the lunar surface. Rick LaBrode, the mission flight director, anticipates a spectacular sight. 

NASA's Ambitious Artemis Program

NASA's Artemis program is poised to establish a mini-space station in the Moon's orbit before executing a lunar landing in 2024. Orion's mission includes reaching a Distant Retrograde Orbit (DRO), a record-breaking feat for a human-rated spacecraft. 

Return Journey and Heat Shield Test

Orion's primary mission objective revolves around testing the largest-ever built heat shield, measuring 16 feet in diameter. Upon re-entry into Earth's atmosphere, the heat shield will endure a speed of 25,000 miles per hour and temperature extremes of 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Homecoming

Deploying a series of parachutes to slow its descent, Orion will splashdown off the San Diego coast in the Pacific. A team of divers will secure it, enabling a US Navy ship to tow it to shore within a few hours. 

Test Dummies and On-board Cameras

The capsule will house a mannequin named "Moonikin Campos," equipped with sensors to measure acceleration and vibrations. Accompanying Campos will be two other dummies, Helga and Zohar, designed to replicate human organs and bone structure for radiation impact tests. 

CubeSats and Technology Demonstrations

In a nod to the Starship Enterprise's talking computer, an improved version of Amazon's Alexa voice assistant, Callisto, will be demonstrated. In future missions, it can adjust the light or read flight data, easing astronauts' tasks. Additionally, the rocket's upper stage will deploy 10 CubeSats, microsatellites tasked with studying an asteroid, examining radiation effects on living organisms, and hunting for lunar water. These independent projects, run by international firms and researchers, capitalize on the rare opportunity of a deep-space launch.