Humankind is finally returning to the lunar neighbourhood. After more than five decades, four astronauts are prepared to board the Orion spacecraft and venture toward the Moon.
This mission, known as Artemis-II, represents a pivotal moment for Nasa as it tests the systems required to sustain human life in deep space.
WHAT IS THE ARTEMIS-II MISSION?
The primary objective of this 10-day flight is to ensure that the life-support systems on Orion are fully functional.
Unlike the Apollo missions of the past, this journey does not involve a lunar landing.
Instead, the crew will perform a lunar flyby, swinging around the far side of the Moon before returning to Earth.
This mission serves as a critical dress rehearsal for Artemis-III, which aims to land the first woman and the first person of colour on the lunar surface.
You can explore the journey of the four astronauts in this detailed Artemis II interactive story.
WHO ARE THE FOUR ASTRONAUTS?
The crew consists of three Nasa astronauts and one Canadian Space Agency astronaut.
Commander Reid Wiseman leads the team, joined by pilot Victor Glover and mission specialists Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen.
Glover will become the first person of colour to go to the moon, while Koch will be the first woman.
Their diverse backgrounds reflect a new era of international cooperation in space exploration.
HOW CAN YOU WATCH THE LAUNCH LIVE?
The launch will be broadcast live from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. You can catch the action on the official Nasa YouTube channel and social media platforms.
Given the complexity of the Space Launch System rocket, timings may shift based on weather conditions.
As per the current schedule, the countdown is expected to culminate in a spectacular liftoff during the early morning hours. For viewers in India, the live coverage will start around 10: 20 PM IST, ensuring fans across the country can witness history in real time.
This mission is not just about technology; it is about the human spirit and our innate desire to explore the unknown.
