Artemis I Path to the Pad Launch and Recovery | NASA

Artemis I is the first uncrewed test flight of NASA's Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon and eventually send astronauts to Mars. The mission will involve the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and the Orion spacecraft. Here is an overview of the path to the pad, launch, and recovery for Artemis I:Show more

Integration and Testing:

Prior to the launch, the Artemis I mission components, including the SLS rocket and the Orion spacecraft, undergo extensive testing and integration at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Rollout to the Launch Pad:

The fully assembled SLS rocket, including the Orion spacecraft, is rolled out to Launch Complex 39B, the pad from which Artemis I will launch.
Launch Vehicle Stacking:

The SLS rocket is assembled in segments, with the core stage, two solid rocket boosters, and the upper stage being stacked on top of each other. The Orion spacecraft is mated to the top of the rocket.
Countdown and Launch:

The countdown sequence begins, with extensive checks and preparations to ensure that the rocket and spacecraft are ready for launch.
The SLS rocket ignites its four RS-25 engines in the core stage, and the two solid rocket boosters fire, lifting the entire stack off the pad.
The rocket carries the Orion spacecraft into space on its journey towards the Moon.
Spacecraft Separation:

The Orion spacecraft separates from the SLS upper stage once it reaches the desired orbit. The spacecraft will continue on a trajectory around the Moon before returning to Earth.
Lunar Flyby and Return:

During its mission, Artemis I will perform a flyby of the Moon to test various systems and gain experience for future lunar missions.
After completing its lunar flyby, the Orion spacecraft will begin its journey back to Earth.
Reentry and Splashdown:

The Orion spacecraft reenters Earth's atmosphere, enduring the intense heat generated during reentry.
Upon reentry, the spacecraft deploys its parachutes to slow down its descent.
Splashdown and Recovery:

Artemis I concludes with the Orion spacecraft splashing down in the Pacific Ocean.
Recovery teams, including ships and personnel, will be dispatched to retrieve the spacecraft and its crew module.
Artemis I is a critical mission in NASA's plans to return humans to the Moon and serves as a testbed for the systems and technologies that will be used in future Artemis missions, including crewed missions. This path to the pad, launch, and recovery represents the key stages of the Artemis I mission.