NASA's Artemis II, 1st crewed Moon mission since Apollo, launches
NASA's Artemis II is making history as the first crewed Moon mission since Apollo.
launched from Kennedy Space Centre in Florida at 6:35pm EDT on Wednesday, astronauts Jeremy Hansen, Christina Koch, Victor Glover, and Reid Wiseman are spending 24 hours orbiting Earth to make sure their Orion spacecraft is ready for the big lunar journey.
Orion systems tested in Earth orbit
Right now, the team is checking if Orion's life support system can keep them healthy during a 10-day trip around the Moon.
They're also testing communication, navigation, propulsion, and yes, even how the space toilet works in zero gravity.
Running these checks close to home means NASA can quickly abort and return the crew if any issues arise.
If all goes well, it's one giant leap closer to a safe return to the Moon.