NASA is preparing for its Artemis II mission, a nearly 10-day journey around the Moon and back. The crew of four astronauts will test the agency’s Orion spacecraft in space while conducting science investigations that will inform future deep space missions.
During their mission, the astronauts will analyze and photograph geologic features on the Moon’s surface, including impact craters and ancient lava flows. They will also practice describing nuances in shapes, textures, and colors of surface features, which is crucial for understanding an area’s geologic history.
The Artemis II crew will be the first humans to test NASA’s Orion spacecraft in space, and their mission will help set the stage for future crewed Mars missions. According to Kelsey Young, Artemis II lunar science lead at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, “Artemis II is a chance for astronauts to implement the lunar science skills they’ve developed in training.”
The mission also provides an opportunity for scientists and engineers in mission control to collaborate during real-time operations, building on years of testing and simulations. The crew will fly about 4,000 to 6,000 miles from the Moon’s surface, where the Moon will appear to be the size of a basketball held at arm’s length, offering a unique opportunity for scientific observations.
This mission is an important step in NASA’s efforts to land astronauts on the Moon’s south polar region and prepare for future missions to Mars.
Source: https://science.nasa.gov/solar-system/moon/nasas-artemis-ii-lunar-science-operations-to-inform-future-missions