Artemis II Crew Announces Lunar Flyby Timeline

NASA reveals detailed mission timeline for the first crewed lunar flyby in over 50 years, scheduled for late 2025.

In a groundbreaking announcement today, NASA's Artemis II mission crew provided an in-depth look at their planned lunar flyby trajectory. The mission, set to launch in late 2025, will see four astronauts venture beyond low Earth orbit for the first time since Apollo 17.

Commander Reid Wiseman stated, 'This is humanity's return to deep space exploration. Our trajectory will take us 6,400 miles beyond the far side of the Moon, testing all systems necessary for future lunar landings.'

The 10-day mission will serve as a crucial test of the Orion spacecraft's life support systems, navigation capabilities, and heat shield performance. Mission specialists will conduct various experiments including radiation monitoring and Earth observation studies.

Key mission milestones include the trans-lunar injection burn, lunar flyby at closest approach of 7,400 miles, and the critical re-entry phase where Orion's heat shield will face temperatures of 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit.