What is Artemis I?

Artemis I is the first integrated flight test of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, Orion spacecraft, and Exploration Ground Systems at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. These are the same systems that will ferry future astronauts on their way to the Moon. 

Standing 322 feet (98 meters) tall, the SLS rocket comprises a core stage, upper stage, two solid booster, and four RS-25 engines. The SLS rocket is the most powerful rocket in the world.

Before launch, Artemis I will have some big help: the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center is the largest single-story building in the world and is where the SLS rocket is assembled, maintained, and integrated with Orion. 

The mobile launcher is used to assemble, process, and launch the SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft. The massive structure is equipped with umbilicals and launch accessories to enable power, communications, coolant, and fuel to SLS and Orion prior to launch.

Capable of carrying 18 million pounds and the size of a baseball infield, the Crawler-Transporter 2 transports SLS and Orion the 4.2 miles (6.8 km) to the launch pad.

From launch to splashdown, the Artemis I test flight will last approximately 4-6 weeks. Along for the ride is a microchip containing the names of 3.4 million members of the public who submitted their names through a NASA website.

To power Orion, a total of 15,000 solar cells on four arrays will help convert light into electricity; the arrays can turn and pivot to remain aligned with the Sun for maximum power. 

Astronauts on future missions will have many of the comforts of home in the spacecraft with the habitable volume of about two minivans — they can reheat food, exercise, and yes, they have a bathroom.

On the uncrewed Artemis I mission, Three manikins will fly aboard the Orion spacecraft. Commander Moonikin Campos and two “phantom” torsos Helga and Zohar will collect essential data on what future astronauts will experience on deep space missions.

The Orion spacecraft will travel farther than any spacecraft built for humans has gone before, 40,000 miles (~64,000 kph) past the Moon.

A host of shoebox-sized satellites called CubeSats will help enable science and technology experiments that could enhance our understanding of deep space travel and the Moon while providing critical information for future Artemis missions.

Though Artemis I is uncrewed, the mission is a vital step in testing new technologies for deep space travel. Orion can support future crews and provide habitable living space for four people for up to 21 days.

Many international partners are joining Artemis. Orion's service module is provided by the European Space Agency and will power and propel Orion to a highly stable orbit around the Moon. 

With Artemis, NASA will establish a long-term presence on the Moon. Lunar research will help develop technologies and plans we need to send humans to Mars and beyond. 

Before Orion re-enters Earth’s atmosphere, the spacecraft will be traveling 25,000 mph (~40,000 kph). Orion will slow as it enters Earth’s atmosphere before splashing down in the Pacific Ocean, about 60 miles (96 km) from the coast of California.

When the Orion spacecraft splashes down in the Pacific Ocean, NASA's recovery team and the U.S. Navy will be ready to retrieve it.