Artemis II blasted off into outer space on April 1, circling the atmosphere for 10 days before returning to Earth. This launch is the first in over 50 years that humans have traveled beyond low Earth orbit. 

Four astronauts are on this flight: Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen. The team is breaking barriers and shattering records. Koch is paving the way for women by becoming the first woman to travel beyond low Earth orbit and Hansen is the first Canadian to fly by the moon.

NASA’s goal for the mission is to test a variety of technologies and life support systems to be used on future missions. This is the first test of the Orion spacecraft, which is planned to be used on future missions. 

This mission is the first of many that are planned over the next five years. Artemis III and IV are tentatively planned to launch in 2027 and 2028 respectively. 

Artemis III has the main purpose of testing a variety of features on the spacecraft to assist with a future moon landing. SpaceX is directly involved with this launch, potentially using the so-called “mechzilla” that was tested at the start of April. This launch and landing pad has the capabilities to catch the Super Heavy Boosters on their return to Earth, which allows for a faster spacecraft reset. 

There is a promising future ahead for the space industry and Artemis IV is planned to launch in 2028, bringing people back to the moon for the first time in almost 60 years. 

As technology continues to advance, the possibilities are endless of what could be accomplished, greatly expanding the current knowledge of space.