![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/The-Orion-spacecraft-performs-its-trans-lunar-injection-to-carry-the-Artemis-mission-toward-the-Moon.webp\")
The Orion spacecraft performs its trans-lunar injection to carry the Artemis mission toward the Moon. Credit: NASA<\/p>\n
The astronauts will fly aboard Orion, NASA\u2019s deep space capsule, sitting atop the Space Launch System (SLS), a towering rocket roughly as tall as a 30-story building. The mission objective is straightforward: orbit the Moon and return safely. <\/p>\n
But every component of the flight is intended as a rehearsal for Artemis 3<\/a>, which will attempt a crewed lunar landing. Its success would demonstrate that humans can once again travel beyond low Earth orbit and do so using systems that will support future lunar missions.<\/p>\n European Industry Takes a Leading Role<\/p>\n The Artemis program is not just a NASA venture. Several European nations are playing critical roles, particularly through the European Space Agency (ESA). The Orion capsule<\/a> includes a European-built service module that supplies propulsion, power, and life support. This part of the spacecraft was manufactured with the help of teams in Br\u00eame, Germany.<\/p>\n Other European contributions include pressurized modules designed for future lunar habitats. In Turin, Italy, aerospace company Thales Alenia Space<\/a> is developing parts of the infrastructure that could support astronauts on the Moon. In Escalquens, near Toulouse, engineers are also working on essential components for upcoming Artemis missions.<\/p>\n \u201cWe would like to thank our customer ESA for continuing to place their trust in our ability to build Europe\u2019s two main contributions to the lunar space station\u2026 Through our contributions to the ISS, the Axiom commercial space station, and now the lunar space station, we are expanding the possibilities in this field, not only in terms of technology, but also for the safety and comfort of astronauts,\u201d said Herv\u00e9 Derrey<\/a>, the company\u2019s chief executive.<\/p>\n Almost There\u2026 But Not Quite<\/p>\n Although Artemis 2 will not land, it represents a decisive move toward lunar settlement. Living on the Moon, even temporarily, comes with a host of scientific and technical challenges. As the U.S. Space Agency reported<\/a>, one of the key objectives is to learn how to sustain life in an extremely hostile environment.<\/p>\n Quite an exciting year for the moon this year.<\/p>\n Artemis 2, humanities return to the moon for the first time in over 50 years<\/p>\n And Blue Moon Mk1 Demo- the largest lander to land on the moon in history. Larger than the Apollo lunar module that ferried humans before. It\u2019s huge pic.twitter.com\/k7G9IOc8dg<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Overview](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Overview-of-Artemis-IIs-10-day-lunar-flyby-mission-with-a-free-return-trajectory.webp.webp\")
Overview of Artemis II\u2019s 10-day lunar flyby mission with a free-return trajectory. Credit: NASA<\/p>\n