Artemis I: Return to the Moon

Artemis I is an unmanned mission designed to test the viability of the new SLS launcher and Orion capsule for crewed flights. It is the first step in NASA’s much-heralded return to the Moon


Programme aims to return humans to Moon by 2025

Outward flight: 8-14 days

10 CubeSats* deployed en route

Moon orbit: 6-19 days

Return flight: 9-19 days

Enter/exit Moon orbit


Orion capsule (can carry four crew)

Upper stage

RL10 engine

Core stage

Solid rocket booster

RS-25 engines

98.2m


E2056 E2045 E2058 E2060


RS-25 HISTORY
Reliable, flight-proven. Upgraded from Space Shuttle programme

E2045: 12 flights (incl. John Glenn)
E2056: 4 (incl. Hubble repair) 
E2058: 6 flights to ISS
E2060: 3 (incl. final Shuttle flight)


*Miniaturised research satellite


Sources and pictures: NASA, Aerojet Rocketdyne  
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