Posted on 04/02/2026 11:59:25 AM PDT by MtnClimber
Explanation: We are one small step closer to returning to the Moon. A new chapter in human exploration began yesterday when NASA's Artemis II launched aboard the Space Launch System (SLS) from Kennedy Space Center. Carrying four astronauts, the Orion spacecraft's planned lunar flyby will be the first in over half a century. This historic test flight, echoing the legacy of Apollo while pushing beyond it, will carry its crew farther from Earth than any humans since 1972, looping around the Moon before returning home. During the approximately ten-day journey, Orion's systems--from life support to navigation--will be tested in deep space, while astronauts observe the lunar surface, including shadowed regions of the far side rarely seen with such perspective. After looping around the Moon, the astronauts will return to Earth, ending their journey with a Pacific Ocean splashdown.
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🪐 🌟 🌌 🍔
The sights and sound of freedom. Just like when fighters do a fly-over.
Watched from my back yard. I’ve watched ever Moon launch from Apollo 8 on up. This was as beautiful as any before. Except maybe 17, that lit up the night! Maybe we’ll have a SLS / StarShip night launch sometime soon.
I wonder what those three towers on the launch pad are used for?
NASA is going to miss the moon!
See this orbital animation of Artemis 2.
https://x.com/zebulgar/status/2039433305628794886
Someone did not figure right.... 👽 🛸
Just think:
W Bush for all his flaws, had a program going to return and explore the moon. I was woeking on a proposal for ground guidance when Øbowel cancelled it.
I said FU all and took retirement rather than continue to chase fed contracts with a communist in office.
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