In brief
NASA is gearing up to launch Artemis II, its first crewed mission to the moon since 1972. With four astronauts poised to break the distance record from Earth during a flyby, this mission is a crucial step towards establishing a permanent moon base by 2028. The team, including the first Canadian astronaut to moon, Jeremy Hansen, will not only mark a significant milestone for space exploration but also emphasize global collaboration in science. With favorable weather conditions and excitement from global leaders, the countdown is officially on!
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — NASA has officially begun fueling its Artemis II mission to the moon, with the aim of launching four astronauts on a historic journey this evening. This will be the first trip to the lunar surface since the Apollo missions over 50 years ago!
The team expects to load over 700,000 gallons of rocket fuel into the massive Space Launch System rocket, which stands tall at Launch Complex 39B. After some earlier issues with hydrogen leaks during test runs, the excitement is building for a safe launch.
“It’s time to fly,” stated mission commander Reid Wiseman in a message shared on social media.
This daring mission will feature three American astronauts and one Canadian astronaut, Jeremy Hansen, who will be the first non-U.S. citizen to venture to the moon. They will conduct a flyby, setting a new record for humans by traveling over 4,000 miles beyond the moon before making their way back to Earth.
The Artemis program represents a significant leap towards establishing a permanent lunar presence, with future missions aiming for a moon landing planned near the lunar south pole in 2028.
Global support is pouring in for the mission, including a letter of encouragement from King Charles III to astronaut Hansen, praising the diverse team that stands as a bridge between nations and generations.
