Short Wave Why is NASA going to the moon again?
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Apr 1, 2026 Nell Greenfield-Boys, NPR science correspondent at Kennedy Space Center covering Artemis II and space policy. She explains the crewed Orion flyby and what systems astronauts will test onboard. She outlines launch timing and risks. She traces Artemis’ long development, its historic firsts, and how the Moon serves as a proving ground for Mars.
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Artemis II Is A Crewed Systems Test
- Artemis II is a crewed test flight of the Orion capsule to validate life support, navigation and rendezvous capabilities before committing to a translunar trajectory.
- Nell Greenfield-Boys describes the mission testing maneuvers around the rocket upper stage and systems like the first toilet to go around the moon, making it a systems shakedown rather than a landing attempt.
Moon Decision Happens After A Day In Space
- The decision to go to the moon happens about one day into flight via a translunar injection burn that puts Orion on a figure-eight path around the moon.
- If executed, the crew will travel ~230,000+ miles over ~4 days and experience a communications blackout behind the lunar far side.
Crew Will Orbit Far Above The Lunar Surface
- Artemis II won't approach the lunar surface; planned closest approach is roughly 4,000 to 6,000 miles from the moon, offering dramatic views without landing.
- Nell compares the moon's apparent size to a basketball at arm's length and notes the dramatic far-side communications blackout.