Glimpses of NASA's Artemis II mission roaring toward the moon.
A historic launch marks a major step in humanity's return to deep space exploration.
The mission ferries four astronauts -- NASA's Reid Wiseman, Christina Koch and Victor Glover and Canada's Jeremy Hansen -- onboard the Orion spacecraft for a 10 day lunar flyby.
Unlike the Apollo missions that aimed for landing, Artemis II is focused on testing.
The crew will evaluate critical systems such as life support, navigation, and communication in deep space -- essential steps before humans can return to the lunar surface.
Shortly after liftoff, Orion deployed its solar panels and began a series of system checks in orbit.
If all goes as planned, the spacecraft will travel around the Moon, using its gravity to loop back toward Earth, while offering astronauts rare views of the lunar surface, including parts of the far side seldom seen by humans.
The mission is a key part of NASA's broader Artemis programme, which aims to establish a sustained human presence on the Moon.
Insights from this flight will help shape Artemis III, expected to attempt a human landing later this decade, and support longer-term ambitions of sending astronauts to Mars.
Key Points
- NASA's Artemis II marks the first crewed mission in the Artemis programme, aiming to orbit the moon.
- The Space Launch System rocket powers the Orion capsule carrying astronauts on a deep space trajectory.
- The mission represents a crucial step toward future lunar landings and sustained human presence on the moon.
- Artemis II strengthens international collaboration and technological capabilities for long-term exploration beyond Earth's orbit.
Fiery Liftoff Lights Florida Sky
Powering The Return To Deep Space
Orion Begins Lunar Journey
Mission Signals New Exploration Era
A Giant Leap Toward Moon Missions
Photographs curated by Anant Salvi/Rediff
Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff
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