Artemis I is the first in a series of complex missions. In particular the Orion’s systems will be tested. This includes its heat shield and safety mechanisms. NASA wants to assure a safe return and reentry before astronauts make the trip.
While in space the LunIR, Moon-mapping satellite was launched off of the top of the Orion.
The LunIR will fly by the Moon and collect surface thermography with infrared imaging. And the info gathering will be used for planning future lunar missions.
The beta testing and evaluations are crucial.
NASA’s next launch, Artemis II is planned to carry four astronauts around the moon in 2024. And hopefully the third launch in 2025 will have astronauts landing on the moon.
Record breaking flight
Jim Free, NASA’s deputy associate administrator for the Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate said, “This successful launch means NASA and our partners are on a path to explore farther in space than ever before for the benefit of humanity.”
The Orion capsule is setting a new record for traveling a distance of nearly 270,000 miles from Earth. The previous record of 250,000 miles was set in 1970 by Apollo 13.
