NASA's Orion spacecraft has re-entered the area of the moon's gravity, called the lunar sphere of influence, on its way back to Earth.
NASA’s Orion spacecraft has re-entered the area of the moon’s gravity, called the lunar sphere of influence, on its way back to Earth. The spacecraft is currently traveling on the Artemis I mission around the moon, and this milestone marks a significant point on its return journey as the moon becomes the primary gravitational force acting on the spacecraft.
Artemis I Live Feed from Orion Spacecraft Orion entered the lunar sphere of influence at 5:45 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 3, when the spacecraft was located just under 40,000 miles from the moon’s surface. It will now continue to travel in this sphere of influence until Tuesday, December 6, when it will exit and head back toward Earth.
Orion also recently tested out its reaction control thrusters, which are the engines that will be used during the craft’s re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere. “While the crew module thrusters will be tested a few days before Orion’s splashdown on Earth, their primary role takes place in the final hour before splashdown in the Pacific Ocean,” NASA writes in an update.
This test, like the Artemis I mission more broadly, is part of the preparations for the planned Artemis II mission which will be crewed. A group of astronauts will enter Orion and travel on a similar trajectory to the Artemis I mission, traveling around the moon. Then, a future Artemis III mission aims to land astronauts on the moon’s surface.
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Orion captured a magnificent photo of the Moon and EarthNASA's Orion capsule reached its furthest point from the Earth, capturing a stunning photo of the Moon and Earth together.
Read more »
Love, sex, and updating a classic in Lady Chatterley's Lover | Digital TrendsIn a conversation with Digital Trends, director Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre talks about love, sex, and updating a classic with her film Lady Chatterley's Lover.
Read more »
The best family movies on Netflix right now (December 2022) | Digital TrendsFrom animated adventures to live-action family flicks, Netflix offers a huge collection of family-friendly films that are great for all ages.
Read more »
Violent Night review: jolly season's beatings | Digital TrendsViolentNight delivers on its wild premise and then some, and offers a bloody-good Christmas action movie.
Read more »
This ridiculous smartwatch has a hidden pair of earbuds inside | Digital TrendsHuawei is gearing up to launch a new smartwatch hiding a pair of wirelessearbuds under the display assembly. Nope, this is not a concept. It's a real thing.
Read more »