The Artemis II mission has successfully completed a critical engine burn, sending the Orion spacecraft out of Earth’s orbit and on course toward the Moon.
The translunar injection burn began at 19:49 EDT (23:49 GMT) and lasted just under six minutes, placing the spacecraft on its planned lunar trajectory. NASA described the manoeuvre as “flawless” and said the crew and onboard systems are performing well.
“Humanity has once again shown what we are capable of,” Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen said in his first remarks after the burn.
The burn was carried out at Orion’s lowest point in Earth orbit to maximise efficiency. The mission will not land on the Moon but will instead perform a flyby before returning to Earth, with the full journey expected to take around 10 days.
Life aboard the spacecraft has been smooth so far, with astronauts adapting to weightlessness. Commander Reid Wiseman said sleeping arrangements are unusual but comfortable, with crew members finding creative ways to rest in the confined space.
Astronaut Christina Koch said minor issues with the spacecraft’s toilet have been resolved, adding that the mission has been running more smoothly than expected.
NASA officials stressed that Artemis II is primarily a test mission aimed at evaluating how the rocket, spacecraft and crew operate together in deep space. Early data indicates that key systems, including life-support functions, are working as planned.
The astronauts have been actively observing and photographing Earth and space, even requesting guidance from mission control on cleaning the spacecraft windows after heavy use.
Officials also noted that the crew has been busy with mission tasks and has not yet spoken with family members since launch, though time will be scheduled for that soon.
If all goes as planned, Artemis II could surpass the record set by the Apollo 13 mission in 1970 for the farthest distance travelled by humans from Earth.
NASA says the mission continues to proceed as planned, marking a major step in preparations for future crewed lunar landings.
Source: NASA/ BBC
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
