This crew of four will be the first people to leave low-Earth orbit in over 50 years.
NASA has announced the four crew members who will be traveling around the moon for the Artemis II mission, the first time that humans will have left low-Earth orbit in over 50 years.
The crew consists of three NASA astronauts and one Canadian Space Agency (CSA) astronaut, who will travel on a 10-day flight using the recently tested Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft which flew uncrewed on the Artemis I mission late last year. They will test out new technologies and systems ahead of a planned Artemis III mission which will see humans land on the moon for the first time since 1972.
“For the first time in more than 50 years, these individuals – the Artemis II crew – will be the first humans to fly to the vicinity of the Moon. Among the crew are the first woman, first person of color, and first Canadian on a lunar mission, and all four astronauts will represent the best of humanity as they explore for the benefit of all,” said Director Vanessa Wyche, NASA Johnson, in a statement.
