AkaSci 🛰️A crescent Earth as seen from the Artemis II Orion Integrity spacecraft, now over 46,000 km away. The spacecraft is located above the north-east coast of Brazil, where it is night-time
22/n
The serene view of the Pale Blue Crescent from the Artemis II Orion Integrity spacecraft this morning, now located 70,920 km away in its elliptical orbit, high above the Pacific Ocean, west of Peru, as the astronauts grab some sleep after a hectic day yesterday.
Vincent 🌻🇪🇺 en 🌹☘️@AkaSci This means they’re out of the elliptical earth orbit and into lunar trajectory?
@photovince
No, not yet; take a look at new toot #24.
No, not yet; take a look at new toot #24.
@AkaSci Thanks - just noticed. They are taking the scenic route for sure!
RE: https://f.cz/@xChaos/116333479114503737
@photovince
There is some energy optimization related reason for this orbit and trajectory. Also, unlike uncrewed missions, this spacecraft needs to head for the moon within a day or two after launch.
See post by @xChaos for some more info -