ARTEMIS 1 is now on its way to the Moon

ARTEMIS 1, NASA's first major milestone to return humans to the Moon, was successfully launched yesterday, 16 November 2022.

The mission is composed of NASA's Orion spacecraft with the European Service Module (ESM).

The ESM supports the crew module from launch to separation before re-entry. It provides propulsion capability in space for orbital transfer and altitude control. In addition to the water and oxygen needed for a habitable environment, it generates and stores electrical power and maintains the temperature of the vehicle's systems and components. The module can also carry unpressurised cargo and scientific payloads.

ARTEMIS 1 will perform a flyby of the Moon, using lunar gravity to gain speed and propel itself 70 000 km beyond the Moon, almost half a million km from Earth, further than any human being has ever travelled.

 

ALTER supplied the electronic components on board the European Service Module for both ARTEMIS 1 and 2, which will be launched in 2024.