NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman has revealed that the Artemis II test mission could be launched as soon as two weeks from now, marking a significant milestone in the agency's plans to return humans to the moon.
The mission is designed to take astronauts 4,700 miles past the far side of the moon, taking them farther from Earth than any human has gone before. Isaacman described it as the most important human spaceflight mission for NASA in over half a century, with an impressive 8.9 million pounds of thrust and acceleration speeds of nearly 25,000 miles per hour.
Isaacman, who became NASA's 15th administrator just last month after a contentious confirmation battle, acknowledged the historic significance of the mission. "Every mission throughout the history of the space program, you hear Houston come over the radios," he said, referencing the iconic phrase associated with NASA's Mission Control in Houston.
However, Isaacman also expressed disappointment that Houston's Space Center did not receive a retired shuttle to display after NASA's shuttle program ended in 2011. Funding for such a display was included in President Trump's recent funding law but has yet to materialize.
Undeterred by the snub, Isaacman vowed to make it happen. "I can certainly promise that we will do everything in our ability and within the law to make that happen," he said.
The Artemis II mission is a crucial step towards NASA's long-term goal of having astronauts land on the moon in 2028. With this test flight, the agency hopes to demonstrate its capabilities and pave the way for future manned missions to the lunar surface.
The mission is designed to take astronauts 4,700 miles past the far side of the moon, taking them farther from Earth than any human has gone before. Isaacman described it as the most important human spaceflight mission for NASA in over half a century, with an impressive 8.9 million pounds of thrust and acceleration speeds of nearly 25,000 miles per hour.
Isaacman, who became NASA's 15th administrator just last month after a contentious confirmation battle, acknowledged the historic significance of the mission. "Every mission throughout the history of the space program, you hear Houston come over the radios," he said, referencing the iconic phrase associated with NASA's Mission Control in Houston.
However, Isaacman also expressed disappointment that Houston's Space Center did not receive a retired shuttle to display after NASA's shuttle program ended in 2011. Funding for such a display was included in President Trump's recent funding law but has yet to materialize.
Undeterred by the snub, Isaacman vowed to make it happen. "I can certainly promise that we will do everything in our ability and within the law to make that happen," he said.
The Artemis II mission is a crucial step towards NASA's long-term goal of having astronauts land on the moon in 2028. With this test flight, the agency hopes to demonstrate its capabilities and pave the way for future manned missions to the lunar surface.
just heard about the Artemis II test mission launch and OMG it could happen as soon as 2 weeks from now! I'm low-key freaking out thinking about all the possibilities of what this means for humanity's presence in space 
. The fact that they're gonna go 4,700 miles past the moon is insane! And can we talk about the thrust and acceleration speeds? Like, whoa... 25,000 miles per hour?! That's wild!
. It's mind-blowing to think about those acceleration speeds of nearly 25k mph - that's CRAZY 
The fact that NASA is pushing forward with this mission despite some setbacks (RIP Space Center display 
) is actually super inspiring.
! What's your take on the Artemis II mission? Are you stoked like me? 
! NASA is really stepping up their game with this mission 
that's crazy talk 
and the thrust? 8.9 million pounds?! 
no retired shuttle on display? 
that's like leaving out the iconic space suit 
from a history museum 
but Jared Isaacman is all about making it happen 
so fingers crossed 
we'll see that shuttle up close soon! 
this mission is just the beginning of an epic journey 
. I mean, it'd be awesome to have something like that in our own backyard, you know? It's not just about the history or the nostalgia, but it's also a great way to educate people about space exploration and get more folks excited about STEM stuff.
just kidding! But seriously, 8.9 million pounds of thrust? That's like trying to squeeze 100,000 cars onto the highway at once 
. Can you imagine the traffic jam on the moon? 
And Isaacman saying it's the most important human spaceflight mission in over half a century? I'm like "Dude, calm down, you're just talking about space travel... that's not a presidential election campaign" 
.
. Just kidding! But seriously, it's exciting to see what they'll accomplish next. Fingers crossed (and rockets blasting off) 
Still, I guess it's a step in the right direction... to the moon, at least.
. When are we actually gonna see some real progress here? Like, when can we expect actual humans on Mars or something? 
. Jared Isaacman seems like a cool dude who's all about making history happen 
It's like, the man's on a mission (pun intended) to make space exploration happen for real. Plus, 8.9 million pounds of thrust? That's wild 
but lets be real who cares about a retired shuttle display right now lets get back to SPACE 
It's gonna be a wild ride, folks! Buckle up!
. As the administrator notes, this mission represents a "most important human spaceflight mission" in over half a century, with its 8.9 million pounds of thrust and acceleration speeds of nearly 25,000 miles per hour 
.
. The administrator's disappointment regarding the lack of a retired shuttle display at NASA's Houston Space Center is understandable, and his commitment to rectifying this oversight bodes well for the future of the agency 
.
. With each incremental milestone, NASA inches closer to realizing its vision of a thriving space program that expands humanity's understanding of the cosmos and our place within it 
.
I'm so hyped about Artemis II! Like, can you even imagine being that close to the moon's far side?!