NASA is gearing up for a historic mission that will send four astronauts on a 10-day journey around the Moon. The Artemis II mission, scheduled for late 2024 or 2025, will be the first human flight to the lunar vicinity since Apollo 17 in 1972. It will also be the first to use NASA’s new Orion spacecraft and Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, which are designed to enable deep space exploration.
The Artemis II crew consists of NASA commander Reid Wiseman, NASA pilot Victor Glover, NASA mission specialist Christina Koch, and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen. They were announced in a ceremony in Houston in April, and have since been making public appearances and meeting with officials and dignitaries. They also received a pre-training pep talk from Charlie Duke, who walked on the Moon on the Apollo 16 mission in April 1972.
“They’ve got a great adventure ahead of them,” Duke told Ars Technica.
The crew will begin their official training in June, which will last for about 18 months. They will learn about the Orion and SLS systems, lunar orbital dynamics, spacewalks, robotics, and other skills. They will also face various simulations and scenarios to test their ability to handle emergencies and anomalies.
“We’re building a robust training plan for the crew to ensure they’re ready for every aspect of this first mission to the Moon under Artemis on our newest spacecraft and rocket,” said Jacki Mahaffey, NASA’s leading training officer for the Artemis II crew.
The crew will also give feedback to help with future Artemis missions to the Moon or the moon’s vicinity, as NASA aims to establish a long-term presence at the Moon for science and exploration.
“The crew of our Artemis II test flight will pave the way for the incredible science at the forefront of all of our future crewed missions,” said Pam Melroy, NASA Deputy Administrator.
The Artemis II mission will be a key milestone in NASA’s ambitious plan to land the first woman and the first person of color on the Moon by 2028. The mission will also demonstrate the capabilities of Orion and SLS, which are expected to carry humans to Mars in the 2030s.
The crew is excited about their historic opportunity and their role in advancing humanity’s exploration of space.
“I’m excited about this opportunity. I’m excited about this team. I’m excited about this mission. And I’m excited about what it means for our country,” said Victor Glover, Artemis II pilot.
Christina Koch, who holds the record for the longest single spaceflight by a woman, said she is honored to be part of the first female-male team to fly around the Moon.
“It’s really an incredible privilege to be able to represent women in this way,” she said.
Jeremy Hansen, who will be the first Canadian to go beyond Earth orbit, said he is looking forward to sharing his experience with his fellow Canadians and inspiring future generations.
“I think it’s going to be an amazing moment for Canada,” he said.
Reid Wiseman, who will command the mission, said he is grateful for the trust and support of NASA and his crewmates.
“I’m humbled by this opportunity,” he said. “I’m ready to go.”
Relevant articles:
– For the first time in 51 years, NASA is training astronauts to fly to the Moon, Ars Technica, July 17, 2023
– Victor Glover, who will pilot next year’s historic Artemis II mission, talks to KHOU 11, KHOU 11, July 14, 2023
– Flight software for Artemis II meets testing checkpoint, The Redstone Rocket, July 12, 2023
– NASA Rocket Flight Software for Artemis II Moon Mission Meets Testing Checkpoint, Space Coast Daily, July 5, 2023
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