The “Artemis 2” flight to the moon is a crucial test for later manned landings. Accordingly, there is a lot to do for the astronauts. Here is the 10-day plan in detail.
April 2, 2026, 11:22 amApril 2, 2026, 11:22 am
Steve Haak / t-online
10 days in space: The four astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen fly to the moon and back. During their journey in the Orion capsule, the astronauts have a tight schedule.
This is where the Artemis rocket takes off.Image: keystone
Day 1: Start, first tests and a power nap
About eight minutes after the launch of “Artemis 2,” the Orion spacecraft and its crew are in space. The capsule’s engine takes it to a high Earth orbit.
This orbit, also known as a parking orbit, is a stopover on the journey to the moon. Here the crew has around 23 hours to thoroughly check Orion’s systems. This particularly includes important systems such as water treatment and air supply.
Then everyday life in space begins: the astronauts settle into the capsule, change clothes and familiarize themselves with weightlessness.
The docking of the capsule is also simulated. In future missions, Orion should also be able to dock with other spacecraft. In “Artemis 2” this maneuver is attempted with a burned-out rocket stage as the target.
After around eight hours there is the first phase of sleep – but only for a short time, because another engine maneuver is pending in the middle of the night.
The graphic shows the flight path of the “Artemis 2” crew from Earth to the moon and back.Image: NASA
Day 2: Head for the moon
The second day is all about the so-called “Translunar Injection” (TLI). This maneuver, in which Orion’s engine is ignited, finally sets the spacecraft on course for the moon and at the same time determines the return trajectory.
But first you have to train: sport in space is part of the compulsory program. At the same time, the training serves to test all life support systems again.
After the engine has been ignited, things are a little quieter. The crew gets used to the conditions in space and reports to Earth via video for the first time.
Day 3: Course correction and medical tests
A first small engine maneuver ensures that Orion remains exactly on course. In addition, the astronauts test medical procedures such as resuscitation in weightlessness and check their equipment. Emergency communication with Earth is also being tested.
At the end of day 3, they are already rehearsing the procedures for their scientific observations when flying past the moon.
Day 4: Preparing for the moon
Another course correction is made. At the same time, the crew is intensively preparing for moon observation: Which regions do you want to photograph? Time is also planned for photographs from space, both of the moon and other celestial bodies.
Day 5: Entry into the Moon’s sphere of influence
Now the Moon’s gravity is slowly taking control of Orion, while the Earth’s gravity continues to decrease.
The fifth day is dominated by spacesuit tests: the astronauts practice putting on the suits quickly, using them under pressure and even eating and drinking with them.
The final course correction follows in the afternoon before the decisive moment.
The crew of the “Artemis 2”.Image: keystone
Day 6: The highlight – moon flyby
The most spectacular day of the mission: Orion flies within a few thousand kilometers of the moon. Depending on the launch date, the crew could set a new record for the greatest distance ever traveled from Earth, breaking the current record of around 400,000 kilometers set by the Apollo 13 crew in 1970.
The crew documents their flyby of the moon with photos and videos. The flight on the far side of the moon is particularly exciting, as it lasts up to 50 minutes without radio contact with Earth.
Day 7: Return flight – and some relaxation
Orion leaves the Moon’s sphere of influence. Scientists on Earth speak directly to the crew about their impressions of orbiting the moon.
Another engine maneuver directs the flight path towards home. Afterwards, the astronauts have some free time and recovery time for the first time.
Day 8: Radiation protection and manual control
On the eighth day, things get technical again: the crew tests how they can protect themselves from strong radiation, such as solar storms. To do this, they will use supplies and equipment from Orion to build a shelter.
The astronauts will also take the controls themselves on this day. They test how well Orion can be controlled manually and carry out numerous flight maneuvers.
Day 9: Preparation for return
The last full day in space is used to prepare for re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere. The crew goes through all procedures and checks all emergency systems.
Special compression clothing is also being tested to prevent circulatory problems upon return.
Day 10: Reentry and landing
On the last day, Orion is put on the exact return course. The astronauts stow the equipment and put on their spacesuits.
After separation from the service module, the capsule enters the Earth’s atmosphere – protected by a heat shield at temperatures of around 1,650 degrees Celsius.
Parachutes finally slow the spacecraft before it lands in the Pacific. A rescue team is already waiting there.