NASA powers up Artemis 2 Orion spacecraft ahead of 2024 moon mission

The Orion spacecraft, which is part of NASA’s Artemis 2 mission planned for 2024, has successfully completed its first power-on test. This spacecraft will carry astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen from the Canadian Space Agency on a journey around the moon, marking the first human lunar mission in over half a century. The crew is currently undergoing an extensive 18-month training program in preparation for the mission.

The power-on test is a significant step in ensuring the spacecraft’s systems are functioning correctly. The Orion has already been tested in space during two previous missions, including an uncrewed moon mission in 2022. Upcoming tests will simulate various mission phases, such as pre-launch, launch, and flight around the moon, to verify that all systems respond appropriately. These tests will also include checking power transfers from the solar arrays and conducting a vacuum altitude chamber test.

While the Orion undergoes further testing and validation, the Artemis 2 rocket boosters are being assembled, and the crew continues their rigorous training, which includes Earth orbit operations, medical procedures, and recovery exercises. The mission aims to serve as a blueprint for future space exploration endeavors.