tech
Unanimous vote in risk assessment clears way for 4 astronauts to launch on moon mission
NASA has finished a crucial risk assessment ahead of its upcoming lunar flyby mission, and during a news conference Thursday, the agency revealed a new target launch date and discussed how officials evaluated the dangers the mission’s four-person crew will face.
TL;DR
- Artemis II mission is targeting an April 1st launch after a successful Flight Readiness Review.
- NASA is not providing specific quantitative risk estimates for 'Loss of Mission' or 'Loss of Crew' for this flight.
- Concerns regarding the Orion spacecraft's heat shield, which showed damage during Artemis I, are being mitigated by altering the return trajectory.
- Recent technical issues with the Space Launch System rocket, including hydrogen leaks and helium flow problems, have been addressed.
- The four Artemis II astronauts participated virtually in the risk assessment discussions.