EARTH TO THE MOON

Jump on board the Orion as we follow the route planned for the Artemis astronauts

1 Launch day

Scheduled to launch in 2025, the third Artemis mission and second with crew on board launch from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. All the action will be watched and monitored by the nearby Launch Control Center.

2 Entering orbit

Once the rocket has completed its task of taking Orion into orbit, its engines shut down and it will separate from the capsule. These rocket components then fall towards the Pacific Ocean. Left to fend for itself, Orion will deploy its solar arrays.

3 Trans-lunar injection

Having successfully made it into Earth orbit, the Orion vehicle is ready to cross over to the Moon. During a 20-minute burn, the engines fire to increase the speed of travel, displacing the spacecraft from its low-Earth orbit.

4 To deep space

Set on a carefully formulated trajectory, Orion will travel over 384,000 kilometres (239 miles). This needs to account for factors such as the pull of gravity and the movement of the Moon. Artemis I will be able to test the planned path.

5 Lunar flyby

A main engine burn 185 kilometres (115 miles) above the Moon's surface will put Orion on a trajectory to intercept the orbit of the planned Lunar Gateway space station, set to launch in November 2024.

6 Moon landing

Having docked with Gateway, the crew may need to inspect the station and collect any supplies they might need. While two astronauts will stay aboard the spacecraft in orbit, the other two will change over into a lander vehicle.

7 Spacewalk

The astronauts are likely to explore the Shackleton crater, and will remain on the Moon for roughly seven days. As an area where water ice is present, they will explore the suitability of the lunar south pole for a permanent Moon base.

8 Ascent