Artemis II: A Guide to the NASA Mission’s Key Terms & Milestones
The excitement surrounding space exploration is palpable, especially as we approach a return to the Moon. Here in Austin, Texas, that anticipation is building, not just among the tech community – a significant force in our city – but across all demographics. More than half a century after the last lunar mission during NASA’s Apollo program, humanity is poised to venture back to the lunar vicinity with Artemis II. This 10-day mission will send four astronauts further into deep space than anyone has gone before, and understanding the terminology surrounding it can sense a bit like learning a novel language.
As launch teams move closer to the launch date, scheduled for April, you’ll likely hear terms like SLS, short for Space Launch System, used to refer to the rocket itself. “Nominal” means everything is proceeding as planned. It’s a reassuring word, and one we’ll all be hoping to hear frequently. The University of Texas at Austin’s aerospace engineering department, a major contributor to NASA’s research, is closely monitoring these developments, and their public outreach programs are helping to demystify the process for local students, and enthusiasts.
When the rocket is being fueled with cryogenic, or ultra-cold, propellants for liftoff, LOX and LH2 refer to liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen, respectively. The rocket will go through multiple phases of fueling, known as gradual fill, fast fill, chilldown, and replenish. These phases are critical, and any deviation from the planned procedure could lead to delays. The local chapter of the National Space Society, based here in Austin, hosts regular viewing parties and discussions, providing a community space to follow these intricate details.
During the countdown, you’ll hear references to L Minus and T Minus. L Minus indicates the time remaining until launch in hours and minutes, while T Minus corresponds to events included in the launch countdown, such as the retraction of the crew access arm, allowing the astronauts to board the spacecraft, or the ignition of the engines in the final seconds before liftoff. These timings are meticulously planned and executed, and the precision is truly remarkable.
The NASA team anticipates a launch in April. A “go” for launch means everything is ready for liftoff. A “no-go” could mean a postponement. As the countdown progresses, you’ll hear about the White Room, a controlled-environment preparation area where the crew will don their helmets and gloves before entering the Orion crew module – their home for the next 10 days. It’s a small space, but it represents the culmination of years of training and preparation.
The Orion capsule and the SLS rocket are currently situated atop the mobile launcher, an integrated ground platform that can transport the rocket and capsule to the launch pad. This structure is used for testing and maintenance of the rocket and, for launch. The mobile launcher is a marvel of engineering in itself, and its role is often overlooked.
The launch sequencer on the ground, a computer system that tells the rocket when to launch, will initiate the terminal count. This is the final, largely automated phase of the countdown, encompassing the last 10 minutes before liftoff. After engine ignition and solid rocket booster ignition, umbilical separation will occur – the disconnection of power cables and fuel lines, the last step before the rocket lifts off.
Approximately eight minutes after launch, MECO of the core stage, or main engine cutoff, will occur, indicating the shutdown and separation of the SLS core stage from the ICPS and Orion. You might observe the zero-gravity indicator – a plush toy chosen by the Artemis II crew – floating, signaling that the astronauts are now in a weightless environment.
The team will frequently mention the ICPS, which stands for Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage. This upper stage of the rocket will provide Orion with the boost needed to continue on its trajectory into space after the two solid rocket boosters and the core stage of the rocket separate from the spacecraft. The ICPS is a critical component, ensuring Orion reaches its intended orbit.
The core stage is the backbone of the rocket, including the engines, fuel tanks, and avionics – the electronic systems for navigation and control. Following launch, you may hear the solid rocket boosters referred to as SRBs and the launch escape system mentioned as LAS. Two of the three motors of the launch escape system can be used to safely return the Orion capsule to Earth in case of a failure or malfunction during launch. The third motor is used to jettison the launch escape system, which occurs shortly after liftoff if everything proceeds as planned.
Around an hour after launch, the ICPS will ignite again for the trans-lunar injection burn, increasing Orion’s velocity and propelling it onto an elliptical orbit that will take it to the Moon. This will be the last major engine burn of the mission. During this maneuver, Orion’s service module, which provides power, propulsion, and thermal control to the spacecraft, will give the capsule a significant push to begin a four-day journey around the Moon before completing a figure-eight trajectory to return to Earth.
In the days that follow, small trajectory correction burns will ensure Orion stays on course for its lunar flyby. On the fifth day of flight, Orion will enter the Moon’s sphere of influence – the point in space where the Moon’s gravity is stronger than Earth’s. After orbiting the far side of the Moon and exiting the Moon’s sphere of influence, three small burns will ensure Orion maintains the correct trajectory for splashdown, with the last occurring on the tenth day of the mission.
After the intense heat of reentry, drogue parachutes will deploy to begin slowing Orion’s descent, followed by the three main parachutes, further reducing its speed from approximately 386 to 25 miles per hour. Once slowed sufficiently, the capsule will splash down off the coast of California.
The Artemis program is expected to continue with more lunar missions throughout the rest of this decade, including an eventual landing on the lunar surface. Now you’re equipped to understand – and sound like part of the crew – as you follow every moment of this historic mission.
Navigating the Impact in Austin: Local Expertise You May Necessitate
Given my background in risk assessment and emergency preparedness, and considering the potential for increased interest in STEM fields and space-related technologies here in Austin, if this mission sparks a deeper engagement with space exploration for you or your family, here are three types of local professionals you might want to connect with:
- Financial Advisors Specializing in STEM Investments: The Artemis program and the broader space industry are poised for significant growth. A financial advisor with expertise in STEM-focused investments can help you explore opportunities to support and benefit from this expansion. Look for advisors with a proven track record in technology sector analysis and a commitment to long-term growth strategies.
- Educational Consultants Focused on STEM Pathways: If this mission inspires a young person in your family to pursue a career in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics, an educational consultant can provide guidance on navigating the academic pathways and extracurricular activities that will best prepare them for success. Prioritize consultants with strong relationships with local universities like UT Austin and Texas A&M.
- Home Automation & Smart Home Integrators: The technologies developed for space exploration often trickle down into everyday life. If you’re interested in incorporating cutting-edge technologies into your home, a skilled home automation integrator can help you design and install a smart home system that leverages the latest innovations. Seek integrators with experience in energy efficiency and security systems.
Ready to uncover trusted professionals? Browse our complete directory of top-rated experts in the Austin area today.