How do we get to the moon?

Breaking Down the Hardware Behind Artemis II

Throughout American history, many obvious themes can be noticed, but the one that stands out is that technology drives exploration. There are connections between industrialization and urban expansion or manifest destiny, but now, the connection that defines our future is the development of technology and space exploration. On April 1st, the Artemis II mission launched from Florida, marking the first time the United States will visit the moon since December 1972. This is an amazing accomplishment, especially since it will be the first time humans will see some parts of the backside of the moon. However, the most underrated talking point between people is the actual technology used in space flight.

There are hundreds of topics that could be divided into, from manufacturing and materials to robotics. But probably the most interesting and important topic is how we can actually arrive near and at the moon.

Getting past the atmosphere by itself is a great feat, as there are specific requirements for the detailed equations, like the weight of the spacecraft and the efficiency of the gas used. In the case of the Artemis II mission, a newly built spacecraft was used, utilizing previous success as a baseline for the technology in the newest rocket in NASA’s lineup, the Orion. The spacecraft built by NASA’s main contractor, Lockheed Martin, is currently the only spacecraft capable of a crewed deep space mission as well as a high-speed return into Earth’s atmosphere from the moon. The ship is broken down into 3 main compartments, including the service module, crew module, and launch abort system. 

The Service Module

According to NASA, the Orion’s service module is the powerhouse of the rocket, fueling and propelling the rocket across space. The component lies right below the crew module and serves many imperative functions, including propulsion, thermal control, and electrical power supplied by solar arrays. It also includes life support systems providing water, oxygen, and nitrogen for the crew. Finally, the service module is also responsible for orbital maneuvering and position control.

The Crew Module

NASA explained that the crew module is a pressurized part of the spacecraft. It is the area where the crew lives and works during their journey to the moon and back. This module is able to sustain four crew members for about 21 days, providing a safe habitat through launch, on-orbit operations, landing, and recovery.

The Launch Abort System

The launch abort system could be thought of as the most important component within the spacecraft in the case of an emergency. Nasa explained further that in any event of an emergency during launch or ascent, the launch abort system will carry the astronauts back to safety. It performs with precise accuracy, activating within milliseconds to pull the vehicle to safety and position the crew module for a safe landing.

Promise for the Future

All of these different parts, as well as other smaller components, allow for safe travel to deep space, providing specific safety features against radiation and other risks within deep-space travel. The Orion will serve as a vessel of exploration, sustaining the crew on Artemis missions to the Moon and returning them safely to Earth. Over the course of the coming years, these courageous astronauts will complete multiple phases created by NASA to slowly and safely get humanity back onto the moon.