NASA - ARTEMIS 1 Mission patch.
Nov. 16, 2022
Artemis I Liftoff
NASA’s Space Launch System rocket, carrying the uncrewed Orion spacecraft lifted off from Launch Complex 39B in Florida at 1:47 a.m. EST.
Artemis I launch
The primary goal of Artemis I is to thoroughly test the integrated systems before crewed missions by operating the spacecraft in a deep space environment, testing Orion’s heat shield, and recovering the crew module after reentry, descent, and splashdown.
Below are the ascent milestones that will occur over the next two hours. Times may vary by several seconds:
- Solid rocket booster separation (Mission Elapsed Time 00:02:12)
- Service module fairing jettison (MET 00:03:11)
- Launch abort system jettison (MET 00:03:16)
- Core stage main engine cutoff commanded (MET 00:08:03)
- Core stage/ICPS separation (MET 00:08:15)
- Orion solar array wing deploy begins (MET 00:18:09) – approx. 12 min duration
- Perigee raise maneuver (MET 00:52:56)
- Trans-lunar injection (MET 01:29:27)
- Orion/ICPS separation (MET 01:57:36)
Image above: Artemis I will be the first integrated flight test of NASA’s deep space exploration system: the Orion spacecraft, Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and the ground systems at Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida. The first in a series of increasingly complex missions, Artemis I will be an uncrewed flight that will provide a foundation for human deep space exploration, and demonstrate our commitment and capability to extend human existence to the Moon and beyond. During this flight, the uncrewed Orion spacecraft will launch on the most powerful rocket in the world and travel thousands of miles beyond the Moon, farther than any spacecraft built for humans has ever flown, over the course of about a three-week mission.
Solid Rocket Booster separation complete
The Space Launch System’s (SLS) solid rocket boosters have successfully jettisoned. The SLS core stage will continue to fire until 8 minutes after launch. In about one minute, the service module fairing and launch abort system will separate from the Orion spacecraft.
Service module fairing jettison, launch abort system jettison complete
The service module fairing and launch abort system have successfully separated from the Orion spacecraft. The SLS core stage will continue to fire until about 8 minutes after launch.
Core stage main engine cutoff, core stage separation complete
Space Launch System core stage main engine cutoff is complete, and the core stage has separated from the interim cryogenic propulsion stage and Orion spacecraft. The next milestone is deployment of Orion’s solar arrays, scheduled to begin approximately 18 minutes after launch.
Orion solar array deploy complete
Orion’s solar arrays have completed their deployment. The arrays are drawing power, and early data suggests good performance. The next milestone will be a perigee raise maneuver targeted for approximately 2:41 a.m. EST to raise Orion’s orbit in preparation for the critical trans-lunar injection that will send Orion to the Moon.
Orion – European Service Module perspective
Perigee Raise Maneuver Complete
The perigee raise maneuver has been successfully completed. The interim cryogenic propulsion stage fired for just over 20 seconds to raise the lowest point of Orion’s Earth orbit in preparation for the critical trans-lunar injection burn that will send Orion to the Moon. The trans-lunar injection burn is currently targeted for about 3:14 a.m. EST and will last about 18 minutes.
Trans-lunar Injection Complete
Orion/ICPS Separation Complete
Orion on Its Way to the Moon
The interim cryogenic propulsion stage (ICPS) completed its approximately 18-minute trans-lunar injection (TLI) burn and the spacecraft has separated from the stage. Orion fired its auxiliary thrusters to move a safe distance away from the expended stage and the spacecraft is on its way to the Moon.
And the Artemis 1 mission continues soon on this blog.
Related articles:
Artemis I return for launch
https://orbiterchspacenews.blogspot.com/2022/11/artemis-i-return-for-launch.html
Teams Conduct Check-outs, Preparations Ahead of Next Artemis I Launch Attempt
https://orbiterchspacenews.blogspot.com/2022/11/teams-conduct-check-outs-preparations.html
NASA Prepares Rocket, Spacecraft Ahead of Tropical Storm Nicole, Re-targets Launch
https://orbiterchspacenews.blogspot.com/2022/11/nasa-prepares-rocket-spacecraft-ahead.html
Artemis I Glows After Sunset
https://orbiterchspacenews.blogspot.com/2022/11/artemis-i-glows-after-sunset.html
Related links:
Artemis Program: https://www.nasa.gov/artemisprogram
Artemis I: https://www.nasa.gov/artemis-1
Orion Spacecraft: https://www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/orion/index.html
Space Launch System (SLS): https://www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/sls/index.html
Moon to Mars: https://www.nasa.gov/topics/moon-to-mars/
Images, Video, Text, Credits: NASA/Rachel Kraft/NASA TV/SciNews/ESA/Orbiter.ch Aerospace/Roland Berga.
Best regards, Orbiter.ch
