Chapter 2: Artemis 1 - Pioneering the Future of Space Travel

The inaugural flight in the Artemis series, aptly named Artemis 1, is set to be an unmanned mission. While future missions will carry astronauts back to the Moon, this initial launch is fully automated. The spacecraft will journey beyond the Moon's orbit before returning to Earth, following a path reminiscent of the Apollo 8 mission from December 1968.

The launch vehicle, known as the Space Launch System (SLS), is in the final stages of assembly and is projected to roll out to the launch pad around mid-March for testing. This mission not only signifies the maiden flight of the SLS but also marks the second journey of the Orion spacecraft, which is slated to transport astronauts to the lunar surface.

As the spacecraft launches, the booster rockets will detach from the main vehicle, allowing the Orion spacecraft—along with its service module—to orbit the Earth for 90 minutes to conduct system tests. Subsequently, the ICPS booster will ignite, propelling the capsule into a 42-hour orbit before it embarks on its lunar journey. The launch of Artemis 1 is currently anticipated no earlier than May, though it may be postponed until June or July.

Chapter 3: Artemis 2 - A Human Journey Beyond Earth

Scheduled tentatively for 2024, Artemis 2 will mark humanity's first venture beyond low Earth orbit since the early 1970s. This mission will involve a crew of four astronauts, testing flight systems in preparation for future lunar landings. Much like Apollo 8, the Artemis 2 crew will navigate behind the Moon, setting the stage for their return trip to Earth.

We are excited to feature insights from Poppy Northcutt, whose pioneering work in NASA’s mission control was instrumental in the success of Apollo 8 and the safe return of Apollo 13.

Chapter 4: Artemis 3 - Making History Again

Mirroring the historic Apollo 11 mission from 1969, Artemis 3 is projected to land astronauts on the Moon, with the launch initially slated for 2024 but now expected to occur in 2025 or 2026. Astronauts will depart from Earth aboard the SLS booster rocket, traveling to lunar orbit in the Orion spacecraft.

The SLS, equipped with four RS-25 engines originally designed for the Space Shuttle, will produce 8.8 million pounds of thrust—15% more than the Saturn V rocket that powered Apollo missions. Upon reaching the Moon, the crew will transfer to a SpaceX Starship, which will transport them to the lunar surface, making history as the first woman to set foot on the Moon is included in this crew.

After a week of exploration, the astronauts will return to the Starship for their journey back to the Orion spacecraft, which will then carry them home to Earth.

Chapter 5: Looking Ahead - Future Artemis Missions

Following Artemis 3, the first two modules of the Lunar Gateway will be launched into orbit around the Moon via a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. This relatively small space station will serve as a waypoint for future lunar explorers. Artemis 4 will see a four-person crew visit the Gateway Space Station, delivering the I-HAB habitation module.

Artemis 5 aims to be NASA’s next mission to land humans on the Moon, utilizing the Lunar Gateway. However, this mission is not expected until 2027 or 2028. The Artemis program signifies a new era of human habitation on the Moon, paving the way for long-term exploration and even colonization of other worlds, including Mars.

Here’s to the crews of Artemis and to everyone striving for the stars—may you have clear skies!

James Maynard, a lifelong space enthusiast with degrees in physics, chemistry, and history, is the founder and publisher of The Cosmic Companion. He resides in Tucson, Arizona with his wife, Nicole, and their cat, Max.

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The second video dives deeper into Poppy Northcutt's remarkable contributions to the Apollo program and her ongoing influence in the space community.