US space agency NASA launches Artemis-1 rocket on a mission to the moon

The United States space agency NASA has launched its Artemis-1 mission from Kennedy Space Centre, Florida. About eight minutes after launch, the core stage’s engines cut off and the core stage separated from the rest of the rocket. After this, the Orion spacecraft was propelled by the Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (ICPS). NASA also deployed the four solar arrays of the Orion spacecraft. After completing “translunar injection”, Orion separated itself from the ICPS and is now on its way to lunar orbit.

About Artemis-1 mission:

• For the first time in 50 years since the end of the Apollo program, the launch of Artemis 1 is an ambitious US mission to return astronauts to the surface of the Moon.
• The Artemis 1 launch will also be the first flight of NASA’s 21st century moon-exploration program.
• With Artemis 1 on the surface of the Moon, NASA aims to demonstrate new technologies, business approaches and capabilities that are essential for future explorations, including Mars. The launch aims to further aid in the study of the Moon, its origin and history.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

• NASA administrator: Bill Nelson;
• Headquarters of NASA: Washington D.C., United States;
• NASA Founded: 1 October 1958.