Global Finance News
03 Apr 2026, 14:37
Lockheed Martin announced the successful launch of NASA’s Orion spacecraft as part of the Artemis II mission, marking the first crewed journey toward the Moon in over five decades.
Launched aboard NASA’s Space Launch System from Kennedy Space Center, the mission carries four astronauts on a 10-day test flight that will travel nearly 250,000 miles from Earth and loop around the far side of the Moon before returning.
The Orion spacecraft includes upgraded life-support systems, advanced communications—including experimental laser links—and enhanced safety features such as a fully operational launch abort system. The mission aims to validate spacecraft performance and human health capabilities in deep space.
Lockheed Martin said the mission represents a critical step toward future crewed lunar landings and the broader goal of sustained human exploration beyond Earth orbit.
PRNewswire
Launched aboard NASA’s Space Launch System from Kennedy Space Center, the mission carries four astronauts on a 10-day test flight that will travel nearly 250,000 miles from Earth and loop around the far side of the Moon before returning.
The Orion spacecraft includes upgraded life-support systems, advanced communications—including experimental laser links—and enhanced safety features such as a fully operational launch abort system. The mission aims to validate spacecraft performance and human health capabilities in deep space.
Lockheed Martin said the mission represents a critical step toward future crewed lunar landings and the broader goal of sustained human exploration beyond Earth orbit.
PRNewswire