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NASA Artemis II astronauts prepare to end moon mission in 'fireball' re-entry
The crew will face a 23,839 mph reentry as NASA monitors Orion’s heat shield after the mission’s record-setting lunar flyby.
- The NASA Artemis II mission crew will splash down off the coast of San Diego, California, tomorrow, capping their nearly ten-day journey in the Orion capsule after reaching the Moon earlier this week.
- Upon returning, the Orion capsule will reach speeds of up to 38,365 km/h as it enters Earth's atmosphere in a "fireball," putting the heat shield to a high-risk test against intense atmospheric friction.
- On Monday, the crew reached a record-breaking distance of roughly 405,554 km from Earth, surpassing the Apollo 13 record held for 56 years by 6,437 km.
- Mission Specialist Christina Koch described the Moon as a "witness plate" to solar system formation, positioning the Artemis programme toward its first crewed lunar landing with Artemis IV targeted for 2028.
- Pilot Victor Glover reflected that "riding a fireball through the atmosphere is profound," while the mission supports long-term goals for a Moon base and potential future missions to Mars.
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The phase of greatest danger is re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere, when the Orion capsule will be transformed into a fireball
·Buenos Aires, Argentina
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The Toronto Star+18 Reposted by 18 other sources
Artemis II astronauts describe their lunar voyage as surreal and profound ahead of Earth return
HOUSTON (AP) — Drawing ever closer to Earth, the Artemis II astronauts tidied up their lunar cruiser for its upcoming “fireball” return and reflected on their historic journey around the moon, describing it as surreal and profound.
·Toronto, Canada
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources67
Leaning Left12Leaning Right7Center21Last UpdatedBias Distribution53% Center
Bias Distribution
- 53% of the sources are Center
53% Center
L 30%
C 53%
R 17%
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