Artemis II Enters Critical Lunar Approach Phase

Mission Overview

I watched the Artemis II mission hit a huge goal when the crew fired the main engine to leave Earth. Everything went perfect during the launch from the Florida coast on April 1, 2026. You should remember that the Orion ship circled the planet for a full day so I could see them test every system.

Critical Engine Burn

The four people on the ship started a massive fire for nearly six minutes on the second day of April. I believe NASA was right to call it a good burn because it points the ship toward the moon flyby. This trip is the first time anyone goes near the moon since 1972 when Apollo 17 flew.

Firsts on This Flight

You are watching three big firsts on this single flight. My notes show this mission has the first woman and the first Black astronaut in deep space. Jeremy Hansen is also the first person from Canada to ever go that far away from us.

Crew Message from Orbit

I heard Jeremy Hansen say the crew feels good while they fly to the moon. He told me they felt the power of your hard work during the whole burn. Your hopes and your support is what carries them around the moon right now.

Life on Board

I saw the astronauts wake up to a song called Green Light after they got some sleep. You can see them spending time today checking the air machines and the fuel tanks. Their new toilet and food is much better than the old bags from the 1960s.

Looking Ahead

This ten day flight will swing around the moon and splash in the water near California. I see this mission as a rehearsal for the landing in 2028. You can expect humans to walk on the moon surface very soon.