You could almost hear a sigh of relief from NASA on Wednesday as its Artemis II rocket finally blasted off. There's a lot riding on this mission - the safety of its four astronauts, NASA's reputation, and the credibility of America's claim to be leading the new global space race.
As the mission progresses, onboard questions emerge about practical functionalities like the onboard toilet and scheduled naps. For the next 24 hours, the crew will diligently assess the spacecraft's capabilities.
Where are the astronauts now?
Commander Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen are now orbiting Earth about 42,500 miles away, testing out the Orion spacecraft. The craft's solar wings were fully deployed not long after launch, ensuring they have power for their journey.
NASA is keen to ensure Orion is prepared for deep space travel, where there is no easy return. In addition to testing life-support systems, the crew has specially-designed suits to keep them safe in case of emergencies.
What are the crew doing?
Unlike the Apollo missions decades ago, the NASA livestream features the crew checking monitors and engaging with their environment. They were allowed their first sleep about eight hours post-launch, a critical aspect given the strict schedules they follow.
The crew can only sleep for about four hours at a time, with their daily routine adapted to include 30 minutes of exercise to maintain muscle and bone health in microgravity.
When do they go to the Moon?
The excitement is gearing up for the upcoming 'trans-lunar injection' burn, a critical maneuver intended to set the crew on course for the Moon. Scheduled for Thursday night UK time, it stands as a vital step as NASA aims to re-establish its leadership in lunar exploration by landing humans on the Moon's surface once again.
