NASA’s Artemis II mission is the first crewed flight of the Artemis program and humanity’s return to deep space since the era of the Apollo program. Set to send four astronauts around the Moon and back, Artemis II will test the systems that will enable sustained lunar exploration and, eventually, missions to Mars.
At the heart of the mission is Orion, NASA’s next-generation deep space spacecraft. Designed to carry astronauts farther than any human-rated spacecraft since Apollo, Orion features advanced life support, radiation protection and an integrated launch abort system to enhance crew safety. Its European Space Agency-built service module provides propulsion, power and thermal control, enabling the spacecraft to operate independently for weeks in deep space.
Below is information about the mission, videos and animations for download, an Orion image gallary and links to NASA resources. This material can be used for news agencies for their reporting, and social media creators for their content development.
Orion News
Inside the Integrated Test Lab (ITL), engineers and astronauts operate a one-to-one replica of the spacecraft, running full mission simulations that reduce risk and build confidence.
Orion’s launch abort system stands guard shortly after the crew boards, ready to pull astronauts to safety in milliseconds if needed.
Orion is engineered to survive the unexpected. Discover how redundancy is designed into the spacecraft to keep crews safe on long-duration missions beyond Earth.
Explore how Orion’s Rendezvous, Proximity Operations and Docking (RPOD) systems use advanced sensors, cameras and LiDAR to safely connect with other spacecraft.
From how astronauts exercise in microgravity to how Orion survives reentry at 5,000°F, discover surprising details behind the spacecraft carrying humans beyond the Moon for the first time in more than 50 years.
Explore the engines and thrusters that guide the spacecraft through every phase of Artemis II, from launch abort protection and orbital maneuvers to lunar flyby and the journey home.