Orion
vehicleNASA/Lockheed crew capsule for Artemis.
Orion is a multi-purpose crew vehicle developed by NASA, intended to transport astronauts on Artemis missions to the Moon and beyond. Launched atop the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, Orion is designed to sustain crew life during deep space missions. It achieved a record distance during the Artemis I mission in 2022, surpassing previous human-rated spacecraft.
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NASA on Track for Future Missions with Initial Artemis II Assessments
NASA's Orion spacecraft successfully completed its Artemis II mission, splashing down on April 10, 2026, after a 694,481-mile journey. Engineers are analyzing performance data from the SLS rocket and launch systems. Initial assessments indicate the heat shield performed well, with reduced char loss compared to Artemis I, and the crew module will undergo further inspections at Kennedy Space Center.
A peek at the far side of the moon | Space photo of the day for April 20, 2026
NASA's Artemis 2 mission captured a stunning image of the moon's far side on April 6, 2026. The Orion spacecraft, carrying four astronauts, flew 252,756 miles from Earth, marking humanity's farthest journey from home. This mission is the first crewed lunar flight since Apollo 17 in 1972, showcasing the moon's hidden side during a 40-minute communication blackout.
Artemis 2 and Tiangong space station astronauts set record for farthest distance between humans
Artemis 2 astronauts aboard the Orion spacecraft achieved a record distance of 260,754 miles (419,643 km) from the Tiangong space station on April 6, 2026. This surpassed the previous record set during the Apollo 13 mission. Astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell calculated these distances, marking a significant milestone in human space exploration and the spread of civilization beyond Earth.
Artemis II pilot talks about what it was really like to fly and land in Orion
Victor Glover discussed his experience piloting Orion during the Artemis II mission, emphasizing the spacecraft's superior handling compared to simulations. Glover highlighted the importance of test piloting for future missions, noting that successful rendezvous and docking operations will be crucial for Artemis III and IV. He expressed confidence in the spacecraft's capabilities and the teams behind its development.
Artemis 2's heat shield seems to have aced its trial by fire
Artemis II astronauts praise Orion capsule, reflect on mission impact
NASA’s Artemis II crew praised the Orion capsule's performance post-mission, highlighting its smooth reentry and minor technical issues. Commander Reid Wiseman noted the capsule's readiness for Artemis III. The nine-day mission marked NASA's first crewed lunar flight since Apollo 17, with astronauts reflecting on its positive public impact during a press conference at NASA Johnson.
Landing astronauts on the moon 'is absolutely doable, and it's doable soon,' NASA's Artemis 2 commander says
NASA's Artemis 2 mission successfully demonstrated the Orion spacecraft's life support systems, completing a 10-day journey around the moon. Astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen reported positive performance, indicating readiness for future missions. The next mission, Artemis 3, is set for mid-2027, with potential lunar landings planned for 2028.
'That was a wonderful toilet': Artemis 2 commander defends mission's lunar loo
Artemis 2 commander Reid Wiseman defended the mission's space toilet, stating it functioned well despite some clogging issues. The toilet, a compact version from the International Space Station, faced vent line blockages during the mission. Wiseman praised the engineering team, emphasizing the toilet's advancements over previous lunar missions, where astronauts relied on handheld bags for waste disposal.
I Am Artemis: Rebekah Tolatovicz
Rebekah Tolatovicz, a mechanical technician lead for Lockheed Martin, plays a crucial role in building and testing the Orion spacecraft at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Her work supports the Artemis program, including the recent Artemis II mission. Tolatovicz emphasizes the importance of every task, mentoring newcomers and contributing to NASA's historic lunar exploration efforts.
The World Welcomes the Crew of Artemis II Home!
NASA's Artemis II mission successfully splashed down on April 10, 2026, at 5:07 p.m. PDT, marking the return of the first astronauts to the Moon in over fifty years. The Orion capsule traveled 1,117,660 km, setting a record for crewed spacecraft distance. The crew, including Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen, is reported healthy post-mission.