Summary
Four astronauts on the Artemis II mission have left Earth's orbit on their way to the Moon. This mission will take them farther than humans have traveled in space since 1972. The spacecraft's engine ignited successfully, setting the path for a journey around the Moon.
Key Facts
- The mission is called Artemis II.
- Four astronauts are on board the Orion spacecraft.
- The spacecraft left Earth's orbit and is heading towards the Moon.
- The key engine burn, called translunar injection (TLI), lasted almost six minutes and was successful.
- This is the first time since 1972 that humans have traveled beyond Earth's orbit.
- Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen is the first non-American on a Moon mission.
- The mission aims to travel more than 4,700 miles beyond the Moon.
- The mission has safety plans in place for emergencies, allowing the spacecraft to return to Earth if needed.
