The launch of Artemis 1 captivated countless space enthusiasts

The Space Launch System (SLS) of the Artemis program is just not a twin of the Saturn V rockets used throughout the Apollo program. Earlier than SLS launched, Cabana mentioned: “With the stable rocket motors, I think about it will likely be rather more much like a shuttle launch, however extra spectacular as a result of SLS has five-segment solids, not 4, and 4 major engines as an alternative of three. It’s going to stand up and go! Driving uphill within the shuttle, one had an outstanding sense of velocity and acceleration, going from 0 to 17,500 mph [28,000 km/h] in 8.5 minutes. I think about spectators will see — and really feel — it much more with SLS.”

Artemis 1 is the primary mission in humanity’s effort to ship people again to the Moon for the primary time since 1972. Named for Apollo’s twin sister, Artemis will span a number of missions. Artemis 1 is an uncrewed flight that’s testing the know-how wanted to ferry astronauts to the Moon’s neighborhood. If all goes nicely, Artemis 2 is anticipated to ship actual astronauts across the Moon someday round 2024. Subsequent, NASA plans to land the primary lady and the primary individual of colour on the Moon throughout Artemis 3 in 2025 — though delays are doubtless, in line with many observers.

Formally established in 2017, the Artemis program is meant to lead to a long-term human presence on the Moon, in addition to function a primary step towards Mars. And with Artemis 1 now greater than midway by way of it is record-breaking journey, hundreds of thousands of space followers are eagerly wanting ahead to what the following few years have in retailer.