Why NASA’s Artemis II mission won’t land on the moon
CNN • • general
Key Points:
- NASA’s Artemis II mission, scheduled for as early as February 6, will carry four astronauts—including the first person of color, woman, and Canadian beyond low-Earth orbit—on a 10-day journey around the moon without landing.
- The mission will test new capabilities for crewed spaceflight, such as thermal control, life support, food, water, exercise equipment, and navigation systems, while prioritizing crew safety and vehicle health.
- Artemis II will follow a “free return” trajectory around the moon, differing from Apollo 8 by not entering lunar orbit, allowing the crew to return safely without additional engine burns if necessary.
- The mission serves as a critical step before lunar landing efforts, with the Artemis III mission
