Orion and the MoonImage source, NASA
Image caption, Orion passed a mere 130km (80 miles) from the lunar surface at closest approach

The capsule is going home.

On Monday, the vehicle conducted a big engine burn in the vicinity of the Moon that will cause it to splash down in the ocean on Sunday.

It was the last major powered maneuver for the next- generation crew ship on what has been a successful demonstration flight.

After a trouble-free return at the weekend, astronauts will go on a mission in late 2024.

As part of its Artemis programme, Nasa is planning a series of more complex outings for the capsule.

The Artemis-1 flight was all about testing systems without astronauts. The next mission, Artemis-2, will give them their chance.

An attempt to land people on the moon for the first time in more than 50 years is anticipated. It could happen in the middle of the 20th century.

The plan depends on the current venture ending.

Orion journey

The spaceship went off from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. It was put into an extended loop around the Moon that took it some 270,000 miles away from Earth.

Two big engine firings from the European Space Agency provided propulsion unit have since turned the ship for home.

The return is the priority for the mission, according to NASA. The engineers want to see if the vehicle can survive the heat of re-entry.

Artwork: Orion spacecraftImage source, NASA
Image caption, Artwork: This is a demonstration before astronauts step aboard the capsule

It will take about 39,500 km/h for the spaceship to come back from the International Space station.

When the vehicle pushes up against the air in front of it, it will generate a lot of heat.

The shield on the capsule's underside needs to be tested before astronauts are asked to ride.

A controlled splashdown off the California coast is expected after 09:30 local time on Sunday if the shield and 11 parachutes work.

  • Orion
  • Artemis
  • Nasa
  • Human spaceflight
  • The Moon
  • Space exploration