A Day-by-Day Breakdown of the Artemis II Space Mission

MERRITT ISLAND, Fl. -The Artemis II space exploration mission lasted from April 1 to April 11. It was a remarkable experience in space exploration and one worth remembering. The four-member team consisted of Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen.

The countdown began at 4:44 P.M. EDT on April 1, during which engineers powered up flight hardware and prepared the rocket fueling sequence. The flight was the first crewed flight of the Orion spacecraft, named Integrity. Eventually, the spacecraft's solar arrays wings deployed, locking in place. The crew performed robotics training and human research.

On Day 2, the spacecraft ignited its main engine, providing up to 6,700 pounds of thrust. The astronauts moved into their first full day in space, monitoring the spacecraft's air revitalization system. The team developed a Lunar Targeting Plan to help understand how the Moon and solar system formed by analyzing craters, lava flows, cracks and ridges on the Moon.

On Day 3, the crew prepared for the first outbound trajectory correction burn, which would change Orion's velocity by 0.7 feet per second. The team also selected geological features on the Moon's surface that they could see as the spacecraft looped around the Moon. However, they canceled the correction burn.

On Day 4, the crew tested the spacecraft's performance in deep space and performed a 24-hour acoustics test. They also studied the Moon's lunar surface and analyzed its features.

On Day 5, the crew started by evaluating the Orion Crew Survival System suit, conducting suit operations, and analysis. The suits aim to protect astronauts during flight and provide life support. They later performed the second outbound trajectory burn, refining the spacecraft's path toward the moon. They completed the correction burn

On Day 6, the crew performed a lunar flyby, coming close enough to the Moon to observe lunar geologic features. The spacecraft soon broke the record for the farthest distance from Earth traveled by any human. President Trump congratulated the crew in a live conversation.

On Day 7, the crew began their return to Earth. Orion’s thrusters ignited for the first return trajectory correction burn, hoping to adjust the path and refine the course towards Earth.

On Day 8, the crew tested and analyzed the intolerance garment worn under the Orion Crew Survival System suit. They also spoke to the media.

On Day 9, the crew prepared for reentry by stowing mission equipment, removing cargo, and installing crew seats. NASA teams on the ground completed preparations for Orion’s reentry and splashdown. The spacecraft planned to enter a communications blackout, followed by the deployment of parachutes to slow the capsule for splashdown. The spacecraft’s thrusters ignited for the second correction burn.

On Day 10, the crew began their final journey home, ending cabin configuration and handling their entry checklist. Splashdown occurred as planned, and the crew was safely extracted from the spacecraft. They were flown to the USS John P. Murtha and transported by Navy helicopters. They then underwent post-mission medical evaluations before boarding an aircraft to NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. Upon arrival, the crew reunited with their families and friends.

Prithvi Sudhakar is a fourth-year majoring in cybersecurity. To contact him, email pzs5683@psu.edu.