After launching from the agency's gigantic Space Launch System rocket early Wednesday morning, NASA's uncrewed Orion capsule is officially making its way to the Moon.
The views are stunningly beautiful. A new timelapse shows the capsule reorienting itself, leaving a rapidly shrinking Earth behind and a reminder that we are very small in the grand scheme of things.
NASA shared later views of the craft saying goodbye to the smaller Earth.
"This view of Earth captured from a human-rated spacecraft not seen since 1972, during the final Apollo stages some 50 years ago," a NASA commentator stated during the agency's livestream of the event. The view of the blue marble in the blackness of space captures the imagination of a new generation.
A mannequin dubbed " Commander Moonikin Campos" has taken the helm of the spaceship and is wearing a suit.
Two mannequins that are legless are used to measure the amount of space radiation future crews could be exposed to on their journey to the Moon.
The spaceship will be in space for 25 days and will splash down in the ocean on December 11. We'll be following it from start to finish.
NASA launched a giant rocket toward the moon.
All Rights Reserved © 2024
