Lockheed Martin’s Orion Launch on SLS Carries Four Astronauts 250,000 Miles
Lockheed Martin’s Orion spacecraft launched on April 1 at 6:35 pm ET aboard the SLS rocket, marking NASA’s first crewed lunar mission in 53 years with four astronauts. The 10-day Artemis II flight will travel 250,000 miles, testing new life-support, laser communication and abort-system technologies for deep-space operations.
1. Historic Artemis II Launch
On April 1 at 6:35 pm ET, NASA’s Space Launch System rocket lifted off from Kennedy Space Center carrying Lockheed Martin’s Orion spacecraft, named Integrity, on the first crewed lunar mission in 53 years as part of the Artemis II program.
2. Spacecraft Innovations
Orion features upgraded environmental control and life support systems, an experimental laser communication link, updated crew displays and controls, a fully functional launch abort system, and the first deep-space hygiene and waste management bay.
3. Mission Profile and Objectives
Over its 10-day mission, the crew will complete two Earth orbits, travel nearly 250,000 miles past the far side of the Moon on a free-return trajectory, and conduct system checkouts including proximity maneuver demonstrations before splashing down off San Diego.
4. Business Implications
Successful performance of Orion and its new technologies strengthens Lockheed Martin’s position on human spaceflight contracts, expands its deep space capabilities portfolio, and bolsters future Artemis and NASA program backlog visibility.