NASA astronaut Christina Koch, along with the next four moon astronauts, made history as they signed their names on the Orion spacecraft stage adapter for NASA’s upcoming Space Launch System rocket. This significant event took place on November 27, 2023, at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama.
Donned in cleanroom wear, the four astronauts carried out this ceremonial activity, marking a major milestone in their journey towards the lunar realms. The adapter will play a crucial role in their mission, as it will be positioned underneath their Orion spacecraft during their round-the-moon expedition. Not only will it serve as a barrier, but it will also prevent hazardous gases from entering the spacecraft.
The Artemis 2 crew is composed of highly skilled individuals, including NASA commander Reid Wiseman, NASA pilot Victor Glover, NASA mission specialist Christina Koch, and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen. These astronauts have been diligently preparing for this groundbreaking mission at various NASA centers, focusing on formulating procedures. Interestingly, Artemis 2 will be the first human moon mission since the famous Apollo 17 in 1972.
Their meticulous training includes working extensively with the Orion spacecraft and honing their medical procedures. As part of their preparation, a recovery exercise is also scheduled to take place at sea. This exercise will involve the collaboration of NASA and the U.S. Navy, ensuring the crew’s readiness for any possible contingencies during their mission.
Adding to the excitement, the Orion spacecraft has recently completed its first power-on test at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. This milestone showcases the spacecraft’s readiness for the upcoming mission and further enhances the confidence of both the astronauts and the NASA team.
With each passing day, the Artemis 2 crew is getting closer to their historic journey to the moon. Their unwavering dedication, combined with cutting-edge technology and rigorous training, is setting the stage for a remarkable achievement in space exploration. Celebrities and space enthusiasts alike eagerly await the launch of the Artemis 2 mission in late 2024.
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