In a significant preparatory step for humanity’s next lunar exploration, the Artemis 2 crew is gearing up for a vital test that will assess their ability to manually command the Orion capsule during a key phase of their mission to the Moon. Set for a September 2025 launch, this mission will mark the first time astronauts voyage to the Moon aboard Orion, embarking on a 10-day journey that includes a lunar flyby without a landing.
Approximately three hours into the flight, the crew, comprising NASA astronauts Christina Koch, Victor Glover, Reid Wiseman, and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen, will undertake a manual maneuver test. This exercise aims to validate their capability to steer Orion through a series of movements, a crucial skill given the spacecraft’s reliance on automated systems for most of its operations.
To prepare for this manual control phase, the astronauts will partake in a ground demonstration lasting over an hour, simulating the conditions they will face in space. Brian Anderson, Orion’s rendezvous, proximity operations, and docking manager, emphasized the importance of this test in bridging the gap between ground simulations and the real-life dynamics of spaceflight. This exercise is crucial for future missions involving rendezvous and docking with other spacecraft.
Artemis 2’s journey will take the astronauts to the far side of the Moon, testing Orion’s systems in deep space and ensuring the crew’s safety. The mission involves intricate maneuvers, including an automated backflip to position Orion for docking tests with the interim cryogenic propulsion stage (ICPS). At a critical point, the crew will manually pilot Orion to within 30 feet of the ICPS, using specialized controllers to adjust the spacecraft’s movement and orientation.
This proximity operations demonstration is part of a broader suite of tests designed to prepare Orion and its crew for future lunar exploration missions. Despite the possibility of unexpected challenges, the Artemis team is committed to proceeding with the mission’s primary objectives, emphasizing safety and system evaluation in the deep space environment.
The Artemis program has faced delays and technical challenges, including issues with Orion’s heat shield and life support system valves. However, NASA remains focused on resolving these issues to ensure the success of Artemis 2 and subsequent missions. As the crew continues their preparation, the upcoming manual maneuver test represents a critical milestone in the journey back to the Moon and beyond.
