The first phase of NASA's lunar mission is coming to an end
The Orion spacecraft, launched into space as part of the Artemis I mission, will fly past the Moon for the last time, after which it will go back to Earth, CNN reports.
Artemis I can be called the first preparatory phase of NASA's lunar mission, in which it is planned to deliver people to the moon for the first time since 1972.
On Monday, the capsule will pass at an altitude of 128.7 km above the moon and begin moving back to our planet. Scientists expect that the ship will fly around the moon one more time.
The lunar mission exceeded all expectations, but as long as Orion remains in space, there is always a risk, said Michael Sarafin, Artemis I mission manager.
"The capsule's entry into the Earth's atmosphere will be one of the most stressful and treacherous stages of the flight," he stressed.
The spacecraft is on its way to land in the Pacific Ocean near San Diego on December 11. This marks the end of the historic Artemis I mission, which began on November 16.
If the Artemis I mission is successfully completed, NASA will launch Artemis II in 2024, and Artemis III in 2025. The landing of astronauts on the Moon is expected as part of the third mission.
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Photo: esa.int
