In happier times, my mind would probably be focused on the fact that, all being well, there will be a crewed mission to the Moon within a month, the first such in more than 50 years.

Artemis II is a lunar flyby mission with a crew of four, using the Space Launch Systems architecture that has been under development since 2011, ultimately derived from Space Shuttle engine hardware. It will involve an initial insertion into a Medium Earth Orbit, followed by several intermediate burns and a period of systems checking etc, and then a final burn into translunar orbit.

The mission involves a free-return trajectory, with the craft passing around 7000 km from the lunar farside.

Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialists Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen will be the first people to see the lunar farside since 1972. The first three all have had several months in space. Hansen, of the Royal Canadian Air Force, has no spaceflight time. He has trained as an astronaut since 2013 and was selected to join this mission in 2023, during a more peaceful time in Canadio-Unitedstatesian relations.

dv said:

In happier times, my mind would probably be focused on the fact that, all being well, there will be a crewed mission to the Moon within a month, the first such in more than 50 years.

Artemis II is a lunar flyby mission with a crew of four, using the Space Launch Systems architecture that has been under development since 2011, ultimately derived from Space Shuttle engine hardware. It will involve an initial insertion into a Medium Earth Orbit, followed by several intermediate burns and a period of systems checking etc, and then a final burn into translunar orbit.

The mission involves a free-return trajectory, with the craft passing around 7000 km from the lunar farside.

Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialists Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen will be the first people to see the lunar farside since 1972. The first three all have had several months in space. Hansen, of the Royal Canadian Air Force, has no spaceflight time. He has trained as an astronaut since 2013 and was selected to join this mission in 2023, during a more peaceful time in Canadio-Unitedstatesian relations.

Paces up and down.

I hear they’re now in quarantine.

The space voyage is a welcome distraction from the shitstorm around the world.

https://youtu.be/PqERiN848DY

More on the whole project.

It’s no Jupiter 2, but not quite as cramped as the Apollo command capsules, and has an actual toilet.

Bubblecar said:

It’s no Jupiter 2, but not quite as cramped as the Apollo command capsules, and has an actual toilet.

An actual toilet?! What luxury!

Divine Angel said:

Oh oh… Hope there’s no bilateral tension up there but if there is I hope she scratches his eyes out.

FWIW.

https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/sls-5558-artemis-ii-sls-reference-guide.pdf

Lots of good info in that document.

I’m reading launch is scheduled for Feb 6.

Divine Angel said:

I’m reading launch is scheduled for Feb 6.

How come Trump hasn’t cancelled this waste of taxpayers’ money?

The Rev Dodgson said:

Divine Angel said:

I’m reading launch is scheduled for Feb 6.

How come Trump hasn’t cancelled this waste of taxpayers’ money?

He cancelled NASA’s libraries and got their books burnt. Isn’t that enough?

Anyway, it’s not a waste of taxpayers’ money if he can claim it as Trump’s biggest and bestest and mostest.

NASA recently announced they got their budget for 2026. They seem surprised lol

Michael V said:

The Rev Dodgson said:

Divine Angel said:

I’m reading launch is scheduled for Feb 6.

How come Trump hasn’t cancelled this waste of taxpayers’ money?

He cancelled NASA’s libraries and got their books burnt. Isn’t that enough?

Anyway, it’s not a waste of taxpayers’ money if he can claim it as Trump’s biggest and bestest and mostest.

exactly every country needs their Спутник moment

https://www.youtube.com/live/CShz8rvng20?si=v9KWD0hZP3WcWCPN

Divine Angel said:

https://www.youtube.com/live/CShz8rvng20?si=v9KWD0hZP3WcWCPN

how is this not a bigger and better distraction from paedophiles than aliens aliens aliens

Artemis II will now be fuelled on Feb 2, with the earliest possible launch date of Feb 8.

“Shortly after 2 a.m. ET on Tuesday, NASA announced it would forgo February’s launch window for the Artemis II mission around the moon, which extended from Friday through Feb. 11, to allow teams to review data and conduct another wet dress rehearsal. It said it will now aim for March “as the earliest possible launch opportunity.”

Bugger.

taco

Gone fowl again

Caution is always best with these things. It’s not a race.

dv said:

Caution is always best with these things. It’s not a race.

No especially in cold weather

Cymek said:

Gone fowl again

good luck with it

Artemis was a kourotrophic (child-nurturing) deity, being the patron and protector of young children, especially young girls. Artemis was worshipped as one of the primary goddesses of childbirth and midwifery along with Eileithyia and Hera. She was also a patron of healing and disease, particularly among women and children, and was believed to send both good health and illness upon women and children. Artemis was one of the three major virgin goddesses, alongside Athena and Hestia. Artemis preferred to remain an unmarried maiden and was one of the three Greek goddesses over whom Aphrodite had no power.

seems a bit woke

dv said:

Caution is always best with these things. It’s not a race.

nah it’s team sports of course it is

Cymek said:

dv said:

Caution is always best with these things. It’s not a race.

No especially in cold weather

c’m‘on it’s America it’s all about race

SCIENCE said:

Cymek said:

dv said:

Caution is always best with these things. It’s not a race.

No especially in cold weather

c’m‘on it’s America it’s all about race

Snigger.

Cymek said:

dv said:

Caution is always best with these things. It’s not a race.

No especially in cold weather

Yeah, the word ‘Challenger’ would been getting quite an airing around NASA in view of the cold weather there.

and the party stands 200% behind Suss’ or Mal’ whoever it was they keep in charge

As the Artemis II mission prepares to take off in March, a retired NASA engineer and astronaut has raised concerns about the Orion spacecraft’s heat shield. The performance of the heat shield is critical to protect astronauts from the extreme temperatures of re-entry. NASA’s administrator, Jared Isaacman has confirmed he has “full confidence” in Orion’s heat shield design.

nobody has a bad feeling about this

Another wet dress rehearsal has been performed, concluding as planned at T-29 seconds.

NASA will provide details in a press conference scheduled Friday 20 Feb local time.

Divine Angel said:

Another wet dress rehearsal has been performed, concluding as planned at T-29 seconds.

NASA will provide details in a press conference scheduled Friday 20 Feb local time.

The heat shield could be a concern some bloke says but NASA says it’s fine.

Peak Warming Man said:

Divine Angel said:

Another wet dress rehearsal has been performed, concluding as planned at T-29 seconds.

NASA will provide details in a press conference scheduled Friday 20 Feb local time.

The heat shield could be a concern some bloke says but NASA says it’s fine.

I wonder if they designed it such that it could dock with the ISS if necessary. Or maybe they are going to fast to go into orbit at the same altitude…

well there yous go we take back everything we said in that neural implants clot shots thread

https://www.abc.net.au/news/science/2026-02-21/artemis-2-mission-scheduled-to-launch-humans-moon-travel/106273572

when it’s good old USSA doing it there’s no team sports talk, no comment on sputniks or vatniks, no change or chandra it’s because they are the greatest and there’s no competition

NASA is taking steps to potentially roll back the Artemis II rocket and Orion spacecraft to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida after overnight Feb. 21 observing interrupted flow of helium to the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket’s interim cryogenic propulsion stage. Teams are actively reviewing data, and taking steps to enable rollback positions for NASA to address the issue as soon as possible while engineers determine the best path forward. In order to protect for troubleshooting options at both Pad B and the VAB, teams are making preparations to remove the pad access platforms installed yesterday, which have wind-driven constraints and cannot be removed during high winds, which are forecasted for tomorrow.

The upper stage uses helium to maintain the proper environmental conditions for the stage’s engine and to pressurize liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen propellant tanks. The systems worked during NASA’s Artemis II wet dress rehearsals, but teams were not able to properly flow helium during normal operations and reconfigurations following the wet dress rehearsal that concluded Feb. 19. Operators are using a backup method to maintain the environmental conditions for the upper stage engines and the rocket, which remains in a safe configuration.

Teams are reviewing potential causes of the issue, including in the interface between ground and rocket lines used to route helium, in a valve in the upper stage, and with a filter between the ground and rocket. They also are reviewing data from Artemis I in which teams had to troubleshoot helium-related pressurization of the upper stage before launch.

A rollback would mean NASA will not launch Artemis II in the March launch window. However, the quick preparations enable NASA to potentially preserve the April launch window if a rollback is required, pending the outcome of data findings, repair efforts, and how the schedule comes to fruition in the coming days and weeks.

NASA will continue to provide updates.

https://www.nasa.gov/blogs/missions/2026/02/21/nasa-troubleshooting-artemis-ii-rocket-upper-stage-issue-preparing-to-roll-back/

Divine Angel said:

NASA is taking steps to potentially roll back the Artemis II rocket and Orion spacecraft to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida after overnight Feb. 21 observing interrupted flow of helium to the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket’s interim cryogenic propulsion stage. Teams are actively reviewing data, and taking steps to enable rollback positions for NASA to address the issue as soon as possible while engineers determine the best path forward. The systems worked during NASA’s Artemis II wet dress rehearsals, but teams were not able to properly flow helium during normal operations and reconfigurations following the wet dress rehearsal that concluded Feb. 19. A rollback would mean NASA will not launch Artemis II in the March launch window.

https://www.nasa.gov/blogs/missions/2026/02/21/nasa-troubleshooting-artemis-ii-rocket-upper-stage-issue-preparing-to-roll-back/

damn

SCIENCE said:

Divine Angel said:

NASA is taking steps to potentially roll back the Artemis II rocket and Orion spacecraft to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida after overnight Feb. 21 observing interrupted flow of helium to the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket’s interim cryogenic propulsion stage. Teams are actively reviewing data, and taking steps to enable rollback positions for NASA to address the issue as soon as possible while engineers determine the best path forward. The systems worked during NASA’s Artemis II wet dress rehearsals, but teams were not able to properly flow helium during normal operations and reconfigurations following the wet dress rehearsal that concluded Feb. 19. A rollback would mean NASA will not launch Artemis II in the March launch window.

https://www.nasa.gov/blogs/missions/2026/02/21/nasa-troubleshooting-artemis-ii-rocket-upper-stage-issue-preparing-to-roll-back/

damn

Much better than watching it explode in the sky.

roughbarked said:

SCIENCE said:

Divine Angel said:

NASA is taking steps to potentially roll back the Artemis II rocket and Orion spacecraft to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida after overnight Feb. 21 observing interrupted flow of helium to the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket’s interim cryogenic propulsion stage. Teams are actively reviewing data, and taking steps to enable rollback positions for NASA to address the issue as soon as possible while engineers determine the best path forward. The systems worked during NASA’s Artemis II wet dress rehearsals, but teams were not able to properly flow helium during normal operations and reconfigurations following the wet dress rehearsal that concluded Feb. 19. A rollback would mean NASA will not launch Artemis II in the March launch window.

https://www.nasa.gov/blogs/missions/2026/02/21/nasa-troubleshooting-artemis-ii-rocket-upper-stage-issue-preparing-to-roll-back/

damn

Much better than watching it explode in the sky.

yeah maybe they can listen to the engineers

Divine Angel said:

NASA is taking steps to potentially roll back the Artemis II rocket and Orion spacecraft to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida after overnight Feb. 21 observing interrupted flow of helium to the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket’s interim cryogenic propulsion stage. Teams are actively reviewing data, and taking steps to enable rollback positions for NASA to address the issue as soon as possible while engineers determine the best path forward. In order to protect for troubleshooting options at both Pad B and the VAB, teams are making preparations to remove the pad access platforms installed yesterday, which have wind-driven constraints and cannot be removed during high winds, which are forecasted for tomorrow.

The upper stage uses helium to maintain the proper environmental conditions for the stage’s engine and to pressurize liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen propellant tanks. The systems worked during NASA’s Artemis II wet dress rehearsals, but teams were not able to properly flow helium during normal operations and reconfigurations following the wet dress rehearsal that concluded Feb. 19. Operators are using a backup method to maintain the environmental conditions for the upper stage engines and the rocket, which remains in a safe configuration.

Teams are reviewing potential causes of the issue, including in the interface between ground and rocket lines used to route helium, in a valve in the upper stage, and with a filter between the ground and rocket. They also are reviewing data from Artemis I in which teams had to troubleshoot helium-related pressurization of the upper stage before launch.

A rollback would mean NASA will not launch Artemis II in the March launch window. However, the quick preparations enable NASA to potentially preserve the April launch window if a rollback is required, pending the outcome of data findings, repair efforts, and how the schedule comes to fruition in the coming days and weeks.

NASA will continue to provide updates.

https://www.nasa.gov/blogs/missions/2026/02/21/nasa-troubleshooting-artemis-ii-rocket-upper-stage-issue-preparing-to-roll-back/

Bummer.

Yeah, the crew had just gone back into quarantine a day or so ago too :(

NASA will roll the Artemis II’s Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft back to the Vehicle Assembly Building at the Kennedy Space Center as soon as February 24, weather pending, to investigate an issue with helium flow in the rocket’s upper stage.

This removes the March launch opportunities from consideration.

https://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/news/articles/2026/2026-02-22-artemis-ii-nasa-prepares-roll-back-rocket-to-assembly-building-will-not-launch-in-march.asp

Divine Angel said:

NASA will roll the Artemis II’s Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft back to the Vehicle Assembly Building at the Kennedy Space Center as soon as February 24, weather pending, to investigate an issue with helium flow in the rocket’s upper stage.

This removes the March launch opportunities from consideration.

https://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/news/articles/2026/2026-02-22-artemis-ii-nasa-prepares-roll-back-rocket-to-assembly-building-will-not-launch-in-march.asp

TIL about helium being used in rocket engines:

Helium is used in rocket engines primarily to pressurize propellant tanks, ensuring a steady, uninterrupted flow of fuel and oxidizer to the engine. As an inert, lightweight gas, it fills the empty space in tanks without reacting with fuel. It is also crucial for purging fuel lines, leak detection, and cryogenic cooling.

Key Uses of Helium in Rocketry:
Tank Pressurization: Helium is forced into fuel and oxidizer tanks to maintain pressure, pushing propellant into the engines, which is crucial for preventing structural collapse of the tank (which is like a thin, pressurized “pop can”).

Inert Purging: Because helium is chemically inactive, it is used to purge fuel lines and clear them of explosive materials before or after firing.

Cryogenic Handling: Helium has an extremely low boiling point (
), allowing it to remain gaseous even when used to pressurize cryogenic, ultra-cold propellants like liquid hydrogen or oxygen.

Leak Detection: Due to its low viscosity, helium is used to test for tiny leaks in critical engine components.

Propellant Management: It prevents “fizzy” or carbonated-like issues in propellant tanks that other gases might cause.

Helium is used rather than nitrogen because it is lighter, remains gas-safe at lower temperatures, and is highly unreactivee

Witty Rejoinder said:

Divine Angel said:

NASA will roll the Artemis II’s Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft back to the Vehicle Assembly Building at the Kennedy Space Center as soon as February 24, weather pending, to investigate an issue with helium flow in the rocket’s upper stage.

This removes the March launch opportunities from consideration.

https://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/news/articles/2026/2026-02-22-artemis-ii-nasa-prepares-roll-back-rocket-to-assembly-building-will-not-launch-in-march.asp

TIL about helium being used in rocket engines:

Helium is used in rocket engines primarily to pressurize propellant tanks, ensuring a steady, uninterrupted flow of fuel and oxidizer to the engine. As an inert, lightweight gas, it fills the empty space in tanks without reacting with fuel. It is also crucial for purging fuel lines, leak detection, and cryogenic cooling.

Key Uses of Helium in Rocketry:
Tank Pressurization: Helium is forced into fuel and oxidizer tanks to maintain pressure, pushing propellant into the engines, which is crucial for preventing structural collapse of the tank (which is like a thin, pressurized “pop can”).

Inert Purging: Because helium is chemically inactive, it is used to purge fuel lines and clear them of explosive materials before or after firing.

Cryogenic Handling: Helium has an extremely low boiling point (
), allowing it to remain gaseous even when used to pressurize cryogenic, ultra-cold propellants like liquid hydrogen or oxygen.

Leak Detection: Due to its low viscosity, helium is used to test for tiny leaks in critical engine components.

Propellant Management: It prevents “fizzy” or carbonated-like issues in propellant tanks that other gases might cause.

Helium is used rather than nitrogen because it is lighter, remains gas-safe at lower temperatures, and is highly unreactivee

is that 跟爱 answer

SCIENCE said:

Witty Rejoinder said:

Divine Angel said:

NASA will roll the Artemis II’s Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft back to the Vehicle Assembly Building at the Kennedy Space Center as soon as February 24, weather pending, to investigate an issue with helium flow in the rocket’s upper stage.

This removes the March launch opportunities from consideration.

https://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/news/articles/2026/2026-02-22-artemis-ii-nasa-prepares-roll-back-rocket-to-assembly-building-will-not-launch-in-march.asp

TIL about helium being used in rocket engines:

Helium is used in rocket engines primarily to pressurize propellant tanks, ensuring a steady, uninterrupted flow of fuel and oxidizer to the engine. As an inert, lightweight gas, it fills the empty space in tanks without reacting with fuel. It is also crucial for purging fuel lines, leak detection, and cryogenic cooling.

Key Uses of Helium in Rocketry:
Tank Pressurization: Helium is forced into fuel and oxidizer tanks to maintain pressure, pushing propellant into the engines, which is crucial for preventing structural collapse of the tank (which is like a thin, pressurized “pop can”).

Inert Purging: Because helium is chemically inactive, it is used to purge fuel lines and clear them of explosive materials before or after firing.

Cryogenic Handling: Helium has an extremely low boiling point (
), allowing it to remain gaseous even when used to pressurize cryogenic, ultra-cold propellants like liquid hydrogen or oxygen.

Leak Detection: Due to its low viscosity, helium is used to test for tiny leaks in critical engine components.

Propellant Management: It prevents “fizzy” or carbonated-like issues in propellant tanks that other gases might cause.

Helium is used rather than nitrogen because it is lighter, remains gas-safe at lower temperatures, and is highly unreactivee

is that 跟爱 answer

Yes. The Google AI response to ‘what is helium used for in rocket engines’.

Witty Rejoinder said:

Divine Angel said:

NASA will roll the Artemis II’s Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft back to the Vehicle Assembly Building at the Kennedy Space Center as soon as February 24, weather pending, to investigate an issue with helium flow in the rocket’s upper stage.

This removes the March launch opportunities from consideration.

https://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/news/articles/2026/2026-02-22-artemis-ii-nasa-prepares-roll-back-rocket-to-assembly-building-will-not-launch-in-march.asp

TIL about helium being used in rocket engines:

Helium is used in rocket engines primarily to pressurize propellant tanks, ensuring a steady, uninterrupted flow of fuel and oxidizer to the engine. As an inert, lightweight gas, it fills the empty space in tanks without reacting with fuel. It is also crucial for purging fuel lines, leak detection, and cryogenic cooling.

Key Uses of Helium in Rocketry:
Tank Pressurization: Helium is forced into fuel and oxidizer tanks to maintain pressure, pushing propellant into the engines, which is crucial for preventing structural collapse of the tank (which is like a thin, pressurized “pop can”).

Inert Purging: Because helium is chemically inactive, it is used to purge fuel lines and clear them of explosive materials before or after firing.

Cryogenic Handling: Helium has an extremely low boiling point (
), allowing it to remain gaseous even when used to pressurize cryogenic, ultra-cold propellants like liquid hydrogen or oxygen.

Leak Detection: Due to its low viscosity, helium is used to test for tiny leaks in critical engine components.

Propellant Management: It prevents “fizzy” or carbonated-like issues in propellant tanks that other gases might cause.

Helium is used rather than nitrogen because it is lighter, remains gas-safe at lower temperatures, and is highly unreactivee

Interesting

Witty Rejoinder said:

SCIENCE said:

Witty Rejoinder said:

TIL about helium being used in rocket engines:

Helium is used in rocket engines primarily to pressurize propellant tanks, ensuring a steady, uninterrupted flow of fuel and oxidizer to the engine. As an inert, lightweight gas, it fills the empty space in tanks without reacting with fuel. It is also crucial for purging fuel lines, leak detection, and cryogenic cooling.

Key Uses of Helium in Rocketry:
Tank Pressurization: Helium is forced into fuel and oxidizer tanks to maintain pressure, pushing propellant into the engines, which is crucial for preventing structural collapse of the tank (which is like a thin, pressurized “pop can”).

Inert Purging: Because helium is chemically inactive, it is used to purge fuel lines and clear them of explosive materials before or after firing.

Cryogenic Handling: Helium has an extremely low boiling point (
), allowing it to remain gaseous even when used to pressurize cryogenic, ultra-cold propellants like liquid hydrogen or oxygen.

Leak Detection: Due to its low viscosity, helium is used to test for tiny leaks in critical engine components.

Propellant Management: It prevents “fizzy” or carbonated-like issues in propellant tanks that other gases might cause.

Helium is used rather than nitrogen because it is lighter, remains gas-safe at lower temperatures, and is highly unreactivee

is that 跟爱 answer

Yes. The Google AI response to ‘what is helium used for in rocket engines’.

thanks, guess they’re a bit annoying like NTATE for copypaste because the references don’t get included

Livestream of Artemis being rolled back.

https://www.youtube.com/live/xCrPD7tfcr0?si=4L76N9vlE7nJRqRt

NASA finds source of Artemis II problem that forced rollback from the launch pad

NASA announced it had found the source of a helium flow blockage that forced it to roll the Artemis II rocket back from the launch pad at Kennedy Space Center and delay its lunar fly-by mission until at least April.

More…

Tau.Neutrino said:

NASA finds source of Artemis II problem that forced rollback from the launch pad

NASA announced it had found the source of a helium flow blockage that forced it to roll the Artemis II rocket back from the launch pad at Kennedy Space Center and delay its lunar fly-by mission until at least April.

More…

I’ve got bad kama about this mission.

Peak Warming Man said:

Tau.Neutrino said:

NASA finds source of Artemis II problem that forced rollback from the launch pad

NASA announced it had found the source of a helium flow blockage that forced it to roll the Artemis II rocket back from the launch pad at Kennedy Space Center and delay its lunar fly-by mission until at least April.

More…

I’ve got bad kama about this mission.

It does make you wonder if its seriously flawed and they are trying to launch before the rockets were completed safely
Trying to beat the Chinese who have more resources and aren’t likely politically influenced to go with a specific design

Cymek said:

Peak Warming Man said:

Tau.Neutrino said:

NASA finds source of Artemis II problem that forced rollback from the launch pad

NASA announced it had found the source of a helium flow blockage that forced it to roll the Artemis II rocket back from the launch pad at Kennedy Space Center and delay its lunar fly-by mission until at least April.

More…

I’ve got bad kama about this mission.

It does make you wonder if its seriously flawed and they are trying to launch before the rockets were completed safely
Trying to beat the Chinese who have more resources and aren’t likely politically influenced to go with a specific design

why do they even care like if yous’re always trying to compare yourself with some other country then yous’re already on the back foot damn just shoot for the moon yousrselves

Peak Warming Man said:

Tau.Neutrino said:

NASA finds source of Artemis II problem that forced rollback from the launch pad

NASA announced it had found the source of a helium flow blockage that forced it to roll the Artemis II rocket back from the launch pad at Kennedy Space Center and delay its lunar fly-by mission until at least April.

More…

I’ve got bad kama about this mission.

It isn’t your karma it is their karma. It may well be an omen.

wait is this a scientific exploration or a marketing exercise

SCIENCE said:

wait is this a scientific exploration or a marketing exercise

To boldly go where influences have never gone before

SCIENCE said:

wait is this a scientific exploration or a marketing exercise

Space travel has always been a marketing exercise.

fair points capitalism good hopefully the commercial version is called spacegate

Divine Angel said:

Gosh. I think in the 1960’s it was toothpaste tubes filled with mashed-up stuff.

ARTEMIS II UPDATE – NASA Moves SLS II Rollout Up To Tomorrow
NASA teams are making faster-than-expected progress as preparations continue for the Artemis II mission.

The agency will roll the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft to Launch Complex 39B on Thursday, March 19, after successfully completing close-out work ahead of schedule.

Originally, rollout was planned for March 19, but engineers identified an issue with an electrical harness on the flight termination system. The move was expected to slip to March 20, but with repairs completed quicker than anticipated, teams have regained that lost time.

Launch remains targeted no earlier than April 1, with additional opportunities extending through April 6 and April 30.

Divine Angel said:

ARTEMIS II UPDATE – NASA Moves SLS II Rollout Up To Tomorrow
NASA teams are making faster-than-expected progress as preparations continue for the Artemis II mission.

The agency will roll the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft to Launch Complex 39B on Thursday, March 19, after successfully completing close-out work ahead of schedule.

Originally, rollout was planned for March 19, but engineers identified an issue with an electrical harness on the flight termination system. The move was expected to slip to March 20, but with repairs completed quicker than anticipated, teams have regained that lost time.

Launch remains targeted no earlier than April 1, with additional opportunities extending through April 6 and April 30.

Ta.

Live coverage: NASA to roll its SLS rocket back to the launch pad ahead of planned April flight of Artemis 2

Looks like we’re still go for launch on April 1!

Australia will play a key role in humanity’s return to the Moon, with Canberra-based communications systems supporting NASA’s first crewed lunar mission in more than 50 years.

The Artemis II mission, scheduled for April 1, will send four astronauts on a 10-day journey around the Moon, marking the first time humans have ventured that far since the Apollo era in the 1960s and early 1970s.

Australian-based facilities, including NASA’s Deep Space Communication Complex at Tidbinbilla and the Australian National University’s (ANU) Quantum Optical Ground Station at Mt Stromlo Observatory, will support the mission from the ground.

Australian astronaut and 2026 Australian of the Year Katherine Bennell-Pegg said the mission represented a scientific milestone and continuation of Australia’s long-standing role in space exploration.

“In the Apollo era, Australia hosted the most amount of tracking stations outside of the US that supported Apollo. We were absolutely critical then; we are also absolutely critical now,” Ms Bennell-Pegg said.

Mission aims ‘to answer the big questions’

The Artemis II mission will mark the first crewed flight of NASA’s Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft, as astronauts test the vehicles in deep space and collect data to inform future missions and scientific research.

Ms Bennell-Pegg said the crew members would take on an important observational role during the flight.

“When they go out there, there’ll be geologists in the sky, observing the Moon, looking at tens of different sites to inform future landers,” she said.

“Looking out to the Moon … we’re going to answer the big questions, where did humanity come from? Why is the Earth the way it is?

“We’re learning about the Moon to help us understand the Earth, our climate, to develop new technologies and also to inspire the next generation into doing hard STEM pursuits.”

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-03-29/australia-support-nasa-artemis-moon-mission/106508360

Article goes on to explain new technologies etc. Interesting read.

Divine Angel said:

Australia will play a key role in humanity’s return to the Moon, with Canberra-based communications systems supporting NASA’s first crewed lunar mission in more than 50 years.

The Artemis II mission, scheduled for April 1, will send four astronauts on a 10-day journey around the Moon, marking the first time humans have ventured that far since the Apollo era in the 1960s and early 1970s.

Australian-based facilities, including NASA’s Deep Space Communication Complex at Tidbinbilla and the Australian National University’s (ANU) Quantum Optical Ground Station at Mt Stromlo Observatory, will support the mission from the ground.

Australian astronaut and 2026 Australian of the Year Katherine Bennell-Pegg said the mission represented a scientific milestone and continuation of Australia’s long-standing role in space exploration.

“In the Apollo era, Australia hosted the most amount of tracking stations outside of the US that supported Apollo. We were absolutely critical then; we are also absolutely critical now,” Ms Bennell-Pegg said.

Mission aims ‘to answer the big questions’

The Artemis II mission will mark the first crewed flight of NASA’s Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft, as astronauts test the vehicles in deep space and collect data to inform future missions and scientific research.

Ms Bennell-Pegg said the crew members would take on an important observational role during the flight.

“When they go out there, there’ll be geologists in the sky, observing the Moon, looking at tens of different sites to inform future landers,” she said.

“Looking out to the Moon … we’re going to answer the big questions, where did humanity come from? Why is the Earth the way it is?

“We’re learning about the Moon to help us understand the Earth, our climate, to develop new technologies and also to inspire the next generation into doing hard STEM pursuits.”

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-03-29/australia-support-nasa-artemis-moon-mission/106508360

Article goes on to explain new technologies etc. Interesting read.

>>The Artemis II mission, scheduled for April 1,
shakes head

roughbarked said:

Hopefully all the leaks have gone.

Countdown has started for launch.

The launch control team recently arrived at their stations and the official countdown for the launch of the Artemis II mission began at 4:44 p.m. EDT (2044 UTC). Teams will begin methodically going through the launch countdown checklist to prepare for the liftoff of the crewed lunar mission — currently scheduled for no earlier than 6:24 p.m. EDT (2224 UTC) on Wednesday, April 1.

The forecast shows an 80% chance of favorable weather conditions. https://go.nasa.gov/4sL4j3x

🥳🥳🥳

Divine Angel said:

Countdown has started for launch.

The launch control team recently arrived at their stations and the official countdown for the launch of the Artemis II mission began at 4:44 p.m. EDT (2044 UTC). Teams will begin methodically going through the launch countdown checklist to prepare for the liftoff of the crewed lunar mission — currently scheduled for no earlier than 6:24 p.m. EDT (2224 UTC) on Wednesday, April 1.

The forecast shows an 80% chance of favorable weather conditions. https://go.nasa.gov/4sL4j3x

🥳🥳🥳

Peak Warming Man said:

Divine Angel said:

Countdown has started for launch.

The launch control team recently arrived at their stations and the official countdown for the launch of the Artemis II mission began at 4:44 p.m. EDT (2044 UTC). Teams will begin methodically going through the launch countdown checklist to prepare for the liftoff of the crewed lunar mission — currently scheduled for no earlier than 6:24 p.m. EDT (2224 UTC) on Wednesday, April 1.

The forecast shows an 80% chance of favorable weather conditions. https://go.nasa.gov/4sL4j3x

🥳🥳🥳

Ha! That’s so cool! KKUSA has way better ideas than KKA.

I haven’t followed anything much about this mission. Having followed lots about the Gemini and Apollo programs at the time this feels a bit anti-climactic.

Sure to be plenty of interest once they light the blue touch paper.

The new un is loaded and coloured differently to start with. Plenty of room.

I wonder what controls they can reach.

Ian said:

The new un is loaded and coloured differently to start with. Plenty of room.

I wonder what controls they can reach.

All digital, not analog like the successful Apollo missions.

what don’t they use a game controller like that billionaire diving thing

Lift off at around 9:24 AM tomorrow, eastern Australian time.

Also tomorrow: Pink Moon.

rubs hands together

The ABC will be live blogging the launch from 8am AEDT. The launch window is from 9:30am AEDT.

What to know about the four Artemis II astronauts heading to the Moon

Bubblecar said:

The ABC will be live blogging the launch from 8am AEDT. The launch window is from 9:30am AEDT.

What to know about the four Artemis II astronauts heading to the Moon

Ah crap, I’ll be at work. But I reckon I can get the teacher to set it up on the TV for the kids to watch. “Hey kids, here’s your science lesson!”

Lot of firsts in that crew – first woman to orbit the moon, first black person ditto, first Canadian ditto, and oldest moon mission commander (50).

Bubblecar said:

The ABC will be live blogging the launch from 8am AEDT. The launch window is from 9:30am AEDT.

What to know about the four Artemis II astronauts heading to the Moon

They’re all a bit close aren’t they?

Bubblecar said:

Lot of firsts in that crew – first woman to orbit the moon, first black person ditto, first Canadian ditto, and oldest moon mission commander (50).

First time I’m alive to see a lunar mission launch.

Woodie said:

Bubblecar said:

The ABC will be live blogging the launch from 8am AEDT. The launch window is from 9:30am AEDT.

What to know about the four Artemis II astronauts heading to the Moon

They’re all a bit close aren’t they?

They’ll be told to clear off long before the actual launch.

Bubblecar said:

Woodie said:

Bubblecar said:

The ABC will be live blogging the launch from 8am AEDT. The launch window is from 9:30am AEDT.

What to know about the four Artemis II astronauts heading to the Moon

They’re all a bit close aren’t they?

They’ll be told to clear off long before the actual launch.

It would be cool to witness I imagine

Senator Mark Kelly doing a point and talk.

Woodie said:

Bubblecar said:

The ABC will be live blogging the launch from 8am AEDT. The launch window is from 9:30am AEDT.

What to know about the four Artemis II astronauts heading to the Moon

They’re all a bit close aren’t they?

They’re the sacrificial virgins.

Live stream:

NASA’s Artemis II Live Mission Coverage

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3kR2KK8TEs

The crew have been sitting around in the capsule for ages. Must be a rather boring but tense wait for them.

Last hatch closed.

All systems go. Just over an hour before lift off.

Bubblecar said:

Last hatch closed.

All systems go. Just over an hour before lift off.

Rubs hands

Ian said:

Bastards

Might be a problem with a battery. They’re looking into it.

White room now detached from the rocket.

49 minutes to go.

Bubblecar said:

White room now detached from the rocket.

49 minutes to go.

I am way out of touch – last time I watched one of these things NASA Mission Control was rows of crewcut white men wearing short-sleeved white shirts, and ties, sitting staring at boxy monitors…

Neophyte said:

Bubblecar said:

White room now detached from the rocket.

49 minutes to go.

I am way out of touch – last time I watched one of these things NASA Mission Control was rows of crewcut white men wearing short-sleeved white shirts, and ties, sitting staring at boxy monitors…

:) it has been a while.

Half an hour until the launch window.

Neophyte said:

Bubblecar said:

White room now detached from the rocket.

49 minutes to go.

I am way out of touch – last time I watched one of these things NASA Mission Control was rows of crewcut white men wearing short-sleeved white shirts, and ties, sitting staring at boxy monitors…

It was quite a modern setup last time I watched, while they tried to work out how to rescue Matt Damon, stranded on Mars.

Bubblecar said:

Neophyte said:

Bubblecar said:

White room now detached from the rocket.

49 minutes to go.

I am way out of touch – last time I watched one of these things NASA Mission Control was rows of crewcut white men wearing short-sleeved white shirts, and ties, sitting staring at boxy monitors…

It was quite a modern setup last time I watched, while they tried to work out how to rescue Matt Damon, stranded on Mars.

Certain forum members would have been on the edge of their seats. Not mentioning any names. You know who you are.

Bubblecar said:

White room now detached from the rocket.

49 minutes to go.

Nine eight seven just practising six five…….

Peak Warming Man said:

Bubblecar said:

White room now detached from the rocket.

49 minutes to go.

Nine eight seven just practising six five…….

forty four, fourty three…

Now a session of American boasting and self-love.

Bubblecar said:

Now a session of American boasting and self-love.

Thank the Lord I’m not tuned in to that.

roughbarked said:

Bubblecar said:

Now a session of American boasting and self-love.

Thank the Lord I’m not tuned in to that.

I’m listening to the ABC commentary.

The battery problem has now been solvered, all systems go.

The launch window opens in 17 minutes. Will they light it up at that point?

Ian said:

The launch window opens in 17 minutes. Will they light it up at that point?

Hope the person doing that didn’t forget to pack a box of matches.

Ian said:

The launch window opens in 17 minutes. Will they light it up at that point?

Not necessarily. They have to choose the right moment to avoid other satellites in orbit, apparently.

Bubblecar said:

Ian said:

The launch window opens in 17 minutes. Will they light it up at that point?

Not necessarily. They have to choose the right moment to avoid other satellites in orbit, apparently.

“Cutouts” they’re calling them.

>The most common reason for a cutout is to prevent the new rocket from passing too close to existing satellites, the International Space Station (ISS), or other debris, particularly within the first few minutes of flight.

More problems.

Bubblecar said:

Bubblecar said:

Ian said:

The launch window opens in 17 minutes. Will they light it up at that point?

Not necessarily. They have to choose the right moment to avoid other satellites in orbit, apparently.

“Cutouts” they’re calling them.

>The most common reason for a cutout is to prevent the new rocket from passing too close to existing satellites, the International Space Station (ISS), or other debris, particularly within the first few minutes of flight.

It is NASA. Safety is a concern they attend to.

10 minutes to go but more problems have been reported.

Bubblecar said:

Bubblecar said:

Ian said:

The launch window opens in 17 minutes. Will they light it up at that point?

Not necessarily. They have to choose the right moment to avoid other satellites in orbit, apparently.

“Cutouts” they’re calling them.

>The most common reason for a cutout is to prevent the new rocket from passing too close to existing satellites, the International Space Station (ISS), or other debris, particularly within the first few minutes of flight.

They never had that worry in ’68.

Ready to resume count and go for launch.

More propaganda bullshit.

Crew are closing and locking their visors.

Under 9 minutes.

Crew Access Arm is retracted.

Where are we watching it

Peak Warming Man said:

Where are we watching it

NASA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3kR2KK8TEs

Under 5 minutes.

Helium purge coming up.

Gimbaling the engines. Two minutes to go.

One minute to go.

Ready for lift off.

Bubblecar said:

One minute to go.

Got here at just the right time, it seems. Thanks for the LINK.

Rocket is climbing.

Separation, all’s going well.

Seven minutes into the flight, throttling down.

MECO and core stage separation.

They are saying integrity a lot.

Bubblecar said:

Seven minutes into the flight, throttling down.

Makes rocket noises…..

Peak Warming Man said:

They are saying integrity a lot.

It’s the name of the spacecraft.

Peak Warming Man said:

They are saying integrity a lot.

We have integrity…..

Good, it’s staying together.

Well, I can leave them in orbit for the time being and resume washing up.

Any Iranian missiles were clearly too low and too slow.

Bubblecar said:

Peak Warming Man said:

They are saying integrity a lot.

It’s the name of the spacecraft.

Ah.

Though it was related to something else.

:)

Ten minutes and all is good. Thanks for the reminder, Mr Car.

Bubblecar said:

Well, I can leave them in orbit for the time being and resume washing up.

Any Iranian missiles were clearly too low and too slow.

Floating time.

Michael V said:

Ten minutes and all is good. Thanks for the reminder, Mr Car.

Glad you got here in time :)

Peak Warming Man said:

They are saying integrity a lot.

The crew named their capsule.

Bubblecar said:

Michael V said:

Ten minutes and all is good. Thanks for the reminder, Mr Car.

Glad you got here in time :)

I watched it on the ABC. So missed out on all the chest beating.

They have put out the solar panels as they are no longer connected to the grid.

Peak Warming Man said:

They have put out the solar panels as they are no longer connected to the grid.

:) all in all a perfect launch.

roughbarked said:

Peak Warming Man said:

They have put out the solar panels as they are no longer connected to the grid.

:) all in all a perfect launch.

or in NASA speak, All systems normal.

roughbarked said:

roughbarked said:

Peak Warming Man said:

They have put out the solar panels as they are no longer connected to the grid.

:) all in all a perfect launch.

or in NASA speak, All systems normal.

Don’t you mean ‘nominal’?

Witty Rejoinder said:

roughbarked said:

roughbarked said:

:) all in all a perfect launch.

or in NASA speak, All systems normal.

Don’t you mean ‘nominal’?

splitting hairs

Artemis II live tracking…

https://www.nasa.gov/missions/artemis-ii/arow/

are we there yet?

JudgeMental said:

are we there yet?

I suspect in about four days?

JudgeMental said:

are we there yet?

They’ll reach the moon in six days.

Bubblecar said:

JudgeMental said:

are we there yet?

They’ll reach the moon in six days.

I see.

They won’t be setting off on the lunar trajectory until tomorrow, US time.

They’re going to be practising docking manoeuvres in Earth orbit.

roughbarked said:

Bubblecar said:

JudgeMental said:

are we there yet?

They’ll reach the moon in six days.

I see.

It’s a fair distance.

Michael V said:

roughbarked said:

Bubblecar said:

They’ll reach the moon in six days.

I see.

It’s a fair distance.

Something in the order of 287,000 miles?

Bubblecar said:

They won’t be setting off on the lunar trajectory until tomorrow, US time.

They’re going to be practising docking manoeuvres in Earth orbit.

They can see the moon rise, that would look a bit different up there.

Previous footage of Integrity on its way to orbit.

Looking good so far.

roughbarked said:

Michael V said:

roughbarked said:

I see.

It’s a fair distance.

Something in the order of 287,000 miles?

Sounds like a long way to me, whatever that is in real units.

We had the launch on the tv, but missed it because the kids and I were still in the playground. Found footage of the actual launch so while the kids were eating their fruit break, I drew diagrams on the whiteboard. Kids had lots of questions, like “will a shark eat the astronauts in the ocean?” Then we watched the launch. The kids were mostly impressed with the fire and smoke. One kid said he had a space rocket in his backyard and hurt his ears when it went to the moon.

Divine Angel said:

We had the launch on the tv, but missed it because the kids and I were still in the playground. Found footage of the actual launch so while the kids were eating their fruit break, I drew diagrams on the whiteboard. Kids had lots of questions, like “will a shark eat the astronauts in the ocean?” Then we watched the launch. The kids were mostly impressed with the fire and smoke. One kid said he had a space rocket in his backyard and hurt his ears when it went to the moon.

It was louder inside Integrity.

Divine Angel said:

We had the launch on the tv, but missed it because the kids and I were still in the playground. Found footage of the actual launch so while the kids were eating their fruit break, I drew diagrams on the whiteboard. Kids had lots of questions, like “will a shark eat the astronauts in the ocean?” Then we watched the launch. The kids were mostly impressed with the fire and smoke. One kid said he had a space rocket in his backyard and hurt his ears when it went to the moon.

:)

Also made sure it wasn’t a Challenger situation before rewatching the launch.

Divine Angel said:

Also made sure it wasn’t a Challenger situation before rewatching the launch.

You’d hope not.
Always a worry something could go wrong as they are essentially controlled explosions

Divine Angel said:

Also made sure it wasn’t a Challenger situation before rewatching the launch.

I noted that at one particular stage only, the crowd cheered and it sounded like relief. I thought that maybe the launch had passed the point where Challenger went awry.

at least they have it pointing in the right direction…

JudgeMental said:

at least they have it pointing in the right direction…

Couldn’t miss at that range. Sounds like a Trump quote I know.

Divine Angel said:

Also made sure it wasn’t a Challenger situation before rewatching the launch.

Watching the this launch gave me me some flashbacks. I remember watching challenger, and I was a bit stunned because, having never seen a launch in my life, I had no idea that the blowy up part wasn’t some normal thing. Our teacher had spent some time in the lead up telling us about the stages… so at first I thought this was how one of the stages went…. Then they showed the faces of the crowd and of course we got to see the explosion sixty thousand times after that.

Some of the footage today was very familiar looking. But I’m glad it hasn’t ended the same way.

Arts said:

Some of the footage today was very familiar looking.

how good is 跟爱 hey

Crew are now getting ready for their Trans Lunar Injection burn, which will take them to the moon and around the far side.

Bubblecar said:

Crew are now getting ready for their Trans Lunar Injection burn, which will take them to the moon and around the far side.

Cool.

Are they enjoying themselves?

Michael V said:

Bubblecar said:

Crew are now getting ready for their Trans Lunar Injection burn, which will take them to the moon and around the far side.

Cool.

Are they enjoying themselves?

Yesterday the TA asked me if there was a livestream inside the spacecraft. I said there probably would be, but it wouldn’t be turned on until they’d cleared the atmosphere. “Why would they wait until – oh.” She wasn’t yet born when Challenger happened. There’s been so many manned launches since then and we still have collective PTSD about it.

Michael V said:

Bubblecar said:

Crew are now getting ready for their Trans Lunar Injection burn, which will take them to the moon and around the far side.

Cool.

Are they enjoying themselves?

They were having some long, technical discussion with mission control about wee-wee bags, last time I listened in.

I couldn’t really follow the jargon but it requires two people to seal the valve or something.

Bubblecar said:

Michael V said:

Bubblecar said:

Crew are now getting ready for their Trans Lunar Injection burn, which will take them to the moon and around the far side.

Cool.

Are they enjoying themselves?

They were having some long, technical discussion with mission control about wee-wee bags, last time I listened in.

I couldn’t really follow the jargon but it requires two people to seal the valve or something.

Oh I saw something about that, the onboard toilet wasn’t working for some reason. Shame there’s no school today, the kids would love to hear about space toilets.

Bubblecar said:

Michael V said:

Bubblecar said:

Crew are now getting ready for their Trans Lunar Injection burn, which will take them to the moon and around the far side.

Cool.

Are they enjoying themselves?

They were having some long, technical discussion with mission control about wee-wee bags, last time I listened in.

I couldn’t really follow the jargon but it requires two people to seal the valve or something.

Wasn’t the toilet playing up?

Divine Angel said:

Bubblecar said:

Michael V said:

Cool.

Are they enjoying themselves?

They were having some long, technical discussion with mission control about wee-wee bags, last time I listened in.

I couldn’t really follow the jargon but it requires two people to seal the valve or something.

Oh I saw something about that, the onboard toilet wasn’t working for some reason. Shame there’s no school today, the kids would love to hear about space toilets.

It may seem minor compared to exploding but it could ebd up being a shitty trip.

Divine Angel said:

Michael V said:

Bubblecar said:

Crew are now getting ready for their Trans Lunar Injection burn, which will take them to the moon and around the far side.

Cool.

Are they enjoying themselves?

Yesterday the TA asked me if there was a livestream inside the spacecraft. I said there probably would be, but it wouldn’t be turned on until they’d cleared the atmosphere. “Why would they wait until – oh.” She wasn’t yet born when Challenger happened. There’s been so many manned launches since then and we still have collective PTSD about it.

The NASA coverage is 24/7 for the duration of the mission, although sometimes there’s nothing much going on.

NASA Artemis live stream

Currently two of the crew are having a sleep shift while the other two prepare for the Trans Lunar Injection burn, which will be in about 3 hours.

Divine Angel said:

Michael V said:

Bubblecar said:

Crew are now getting ready for their Trans Lunar Injection burn, which will take them to the moon and around the far side.

Cool.

Are they enjoying themselves?

Yesterday the TA asked me if there was a livestream inside the spacecraft. I said there probably would be, but it wouldn’t be turned on until they’d cleared the atmosphere. “Why would they wait until – oh.” She wasn’t yet born when Challenger happened. There’s been so many manned launches since then and we still have collective PTSD about it.

Anecdote alert.

Mrs V’s parents bought me a Challenger t-shirt from the NASA shop when they visited Cape Canaveral. I really, really disliked it, (I thought it cringeworthy) so only wore it when they were around and when I was doing dirty jobs around the house, in the yard or in the shed.

One morning I had a friend (American parents!) coming around to assist me with getting some big timbers into the roof space, so I could suspend my newly purchased gravity-feed hot water system above the ceiling in the kitchen. I was wearing the Challenger t-shirt, in anticipation of that dirty work.

When he arrived, I opened the door and he immediately said with a gigantic smile and thumbs up “Oh man, ultimate bad-taste t-shirt – brilliant”.

I agreed, and said I really didn’t like it either. He realised and said something like “Oh, haven’t you heard the news? Challenger just this morning exploded almost straight after launch. All the crew are dead.”

Bubblecar said:

Michael V said:

Bubblecar said:

Crew are now getting ready for their Trans Lunar Injection burn, which will take them to the moon and around the far side.

Cool.

Are they enjoying themselves?

They were having some long, technical discussion with mission control about wee-wee bags, last time I listened in.

I couldn’t really follow the jargon but it requires two people to seal the valve or something.

Oh.

Michael V said:

Divine Angel said:

Michael V said:

Cool.

Are they enjoying themselves?

Yesterday the TA asked me if there was a livestream inside the spacecraft. I said there probably would be, but it wouldn’t be turned on until they’d cleared the atmosphere. “Why would they wait until – oh.” She wasn’t yet born when Challenger happened. There’s been so many manned launches since then and we still have collective PTSD about it.

Anecdote alert.

Mrs V’s parents bought me a Challenger t-shirt from the NASA shop when they visited Cape Canaveral. I really, really disliked it, (I thought it cringeworthy) so only wore it when they were around and when I was doing dirty jobs around the house, in the yard or in the shed.

One morning I had a friend (American parents!) coming around to assist me with getting some big timbers into the roof space, so I could suspend my newly purchased gravity-feed hot water system above the ceiling in the kitchen. I was wearing the Challenger t-shirt, in anticipation of that dirty work.

When he arrived, I opened the door and he immediately said with a gigantic smile and thumbs up “Oh man, ultimate bad-taste t-shirt – brilliant”.

I agreed, and said I really didn’t like it either. He realised and said something like “Oh, haven’t you heard the news? Challenger just this morning exploded almost straight after launch. All the crew are dead.”

I don’t want to LOL, but I did. What a perfect coincidence, and lucky your friend saw the humour in the situation.

Divine Angel said:

Michael V said:

Divine Angel said:

Yesterday the TA asked me if there was a livestream inside the spacecraft. I said there probably would be, but it wouldn’t be turned on until they’d cleared the atmosphere. “Why would they wait until – oh.” She wasn’t yet born when Challenger happened. There’s been so many manned launches since then and we still have collective PTSD about it.

Anecdote alert.

Mrs V’s parents bought me a Challenger t-shirt from the NASA shop when they visited Cape Canaveral. I really, really disliked it, (I thought it cringeworthy) so only wore it when they were around and when I was doing dirty jobs around the house, in the yard or in the shed.

One morning I had a friend (American parents!) coming around to assist me with getting some big timbers into the roof space, so I could suspend my newly purchased gravity-feed hot water system above the ceiling in the kitchen. I was wearing the Challenger t-shirt, in anticipation of that dirty work.

When he arrived, I opened the door and he immediately said with a gigantic smile and thumbs up “Oh man, ultimate bad-taste t-shirt – brilliant”.

I agreed, and said I really didn’t like it either. He realised and said something like “Oh, haven’t you heard the news? Challenger just this morning exploded almost straight after launch. All the crew are dead.”

I don’t want to LOL, but I did. What a perfect coincidence, and lucky your friend saw the humour in the situation.

Yeah. It was quite a memorable experience. Wearing bad-taste stuff was very edgy at the time. My friend was a bit younger and quite hip.

Michael V said:

Divine Angel said:

Michael V said:

Cool.

Are they enjoying themselves?

Yesterday the TA asked me if there was a livestream inside the spacecraft. I said there probably would be, but it wouldn’t be turned on until they’d cleared the atmosphere. “Why would they wait until – oh.” She wasn’t yet born when Challenger happened. There’s been so many manned launches since then and we still have collective PTSD about it.

Anecdote alert.

Mrs V’s parents bought me a Challenger t-shirt from the NASA shop when they visited Cape Canaveral. I really, really disliked it, (I thought it cringeworthy) so only wore it when they were around and when I was doing dirty jobs around the house, in the yard or in the shed.

One morning I had a friend (American parents!) coming around to assist me with getting some big timbers into the roof space, so I could suspend my newly purchased gravity-feed hot water system above the ceiling in the kitchen. I was wearing the Challenger t-shirt, in anticipation of that dirty work.

When he arrived, I opened the door and he immediately said with a gigantic smile and thumbs up “Oh man, ultimate bad-taste t-shirt – brilliant”.

I agreed, and said I really didn’t like it either. He realised and said something like “Oh, haven’t you heard the news? Challenger just this morning exploded almost straight after launch. All the crew are dead.”

!

Divine Angel said:

Michael V said:

Divine Angel said:

Yesterday the TA asked me if there was a livestream inside the spacecraft. I said there probably would be, but it wouldn’t be turned on until they’d cleared the atmosphere. “Why would they wait until – oh.” She wasn’t yet born when Challenger happened. There’s been so many manned launches since then and we still have collective PTSD about it.

Anecdote alert.

Mrs V’s parents bought me a Challenger t-shirt from the NASA shop when they visited Cape Canaveral. I really, really disliked it, (I thought it cringeworthy) so only wore it when they were around and when I was doing dirty jobs around the house, in the yard or in the shed.

One morning I had a friend (American parents!) coming around to assist me with getting some big timbers into the roof space, so I could suspend my newly purchased gravity-feed hot water system above the ceiling in the kitchen. I was wearing the Challenger t-shirt, in anticipation of that dirty work.

When he arrived, I opened the door and he immediately said with a gigantic smile and thumbs up “Oh man, ultimate bad-taste t-shirt – brilliant”.

I agreed, and said I really didn’t like it either. He realised and said something like “Oh, haven’t you heard the news? Challenger just this morning exploded almost straight after launch. All the crew are dead.”

I don’t want to LOL, but I did. What a perfect coincidence, and lucky your friend saw the humour in the situation.

we mean people do bad things to people with rockets all the time these days so with that perspective

Translunar injection burn completed, successfully.

Integrity is now powering on to the moon.

roughbarked said:

Michael V said:

Divine Angel said:

Yesterday the TA asked me if there was a livestream inside the spacecraft. I said there probably would be, but it wouldn’t be turned on until they’d cleared the atmosphere. “Why would they wait until – oh.” She wasn’t yet born when Challenger happened. There’s been so many manned launches since then and we still have collective PTSD about it.

Anecdote alert.

Mrs V’s parents bought me a Challenger t-shirt from the NASA shop when they visited Cape Canaveral. I really, really disliked it, (I thought it cringeworthy) so only wore it when they were around and when I was doing dirty jobs around the house, in the yard or in the shed.

One morning I had a friend (American parents!) coming around to assist me with getting some big timbers into the roof space, so I could suspend my newly purchased gravity-feed hot water system above the ceiling in the kitchen. I was wearing the Challenger t-shirt, in anticipation of that dirty work.

When he arrived, I opened the door and he immediately said with a gigantic smile and thumbs up “Oh man, ultimate bad-taste t-shirt – brilliant”.

I agreed, and said I really didn’t like it either. He realised and said something like “Oh, haven’t you heard the news? Challenger just this morning exploded almost straight after launch. All the crew are dead.”

!

It was a challenge.

Runs away.

Crew say they’re now enjoying a beautiful view of the dark side of the Earth, lit by moonlight.

The spacecraft is now travelling at over 24000 km/h.

Bubblecar said:

Translunar injection burn completed, successfully.

Integrity is now powering on to the moon.

Good.

Bubblecar said:

The spacecraft is now travelling at over 24000 km/h.

After 16 hours:

“Are we there yet?”

“Where are the Golden Arches?”

“Are we there yet?”

Bubblecar said:

Translunar injection burn completed, successfully.

Integrity is now powering on to the moon.

Grand.

Public Affairs event to be broadcast from the Orion crew cabin in about 5 minutes or so.

Live broadcast from the spacecraft, coming up soon

I like the multi-banks of monitors at each station at mission control, although the individual monitors are smaller than mine.

Live broadcast from Integrity now going. Looks quite roomy on that moon bus.

Bubblecar said:

Live broadcast from Integrity now going. Looks quite roomy on that moon bus.

Luxury, when I went to the moon we didn’t have room to swing a cat.

Well the ABC News interviewer asked mostly sensible questions and the crew did a decent job of answering them. Now it’s a Fox news fellow so there might be some nonsense.

Looks quite cosy on that craft.

Bubblecar said:

Well the ABC News interviewer asked mostly sensible questions and the crew did a decent job of answering them. Now it’s a Fox news fellow so there might be some nonsense.

Looks quite cosy on that craft.

…Fox wasn’t too bad either. Event now over.

Bubblecar said:

Bubblecar said:

Well the ABC News interviewer asked mostly sensible questions and the crew did a decent job of answering them. Now it’s a Fox news fellow so there might be some nonsense.

Looks quite cosy on that craft.

…Fox wasn’t too bad either. Event now over.

Looks gigantic in there compared with the Apollo command module, but it’s only 60% larger living area.

Bubblecar said:

Bubblecar said:

Well the ABC News interviewer asked mostly sensible questions and the crew did a decent job of answering them. Now it’s a Fox news fellow so there might be some nonsense.

Looks quite cosy on that craft.

…Fox wasn’t too bad either. Event now over.

Oh. I missed it.

Ah well.

Michael V said:

Bubblecar said:

Bubblecar said:

Well the ABC News interviewer asked mostly sensible questions and the crew did a decent job of answering them. Now it’s a Fox news fellow so there might be some nonsense.

Looks quite cosy on that craft.

…Fox wasn’t too bad either. Event now over.

Oh. I missed it.

Ah well.

Just go to the lice NASA link and pull the progress bar back to see the broadcast from the capsule.

Bubblecar said:

Michael V said:

Bubblecar said:

…Fox wasn’t too bad either. Event now over.

Oh. I missed it.

Ah well.

Just go to the lice NASA link and pull the progress bar back to see the broadcast from the capsule.

lice = live :)

Bubblecar said:

Bubblecar said:

Michael V said:

Oh. I missed it.

Ah well.

Just go to the lice NASA link and pull the progress bar back to see the broadcast from the capsule.

lice = live :)

Ta. Much to do today, so it’s in and out of the study. Probably won’t try to catch up with it, unless there is something particularly startling or interesting there.

Thanks anyway.

:)

Website’s not great to navigate but it’s interesting stuff.

https://science.nasa.gov/biological-physical/investigations/avatar/

https://assets.science.nasa.gov/content/dam/science/bps/bps_investigations/organ_chip/BPS_1PG_AVATAR_Final_29_08_25.pdf

Spacecraft now about 305,800 km from the moon, and the crew have just signed off for their sleep period.

The members of this crew are already the first people to get past low earth orbit in more than 50 years.

From the ISS you can see a patch of the Earth maybe 4000 km wide. The Artemis II folks can see very nearly half the globe.

dv said:

The members of this crew are already the first people to get past low earth orbit in more than 50 years.

From the ISS you can see a patch of the Earth maybe 4000 km wide. The Artemis II folks can see very nearly half the globe.

And they’re expected to reach the furthest distance from Earth of any humans to date, as their trip around the moon will be from a greater distance from the lunar surface than the Apollo astronauts.

dv said:

The members of this crew are already the first people to get past low earth orbit in more than 50 years.

From the ISS you can see a patch of the Earth maybe 4000 km wide. The Artemis II folks can see very nearly half the globe.

It’s amazing what can be done with AI these days.

Michael V said:

dv said:

The members of this crew are already the first people to get past low earth orbit in more than 50 years.

From the ISS you can see a patch of the Earth maybe 4000 km wide. The Artemis II folks can see very nearly half the globe.

It’s amazing what can be done with AI these days.

I’ve already seen pics of Earth from Artemis with comments claiming AI.

Why are people so stupid?

Divine Angel said:

Michael V said:

dv said:

The members of this crew are already the first people to get past low earth orbit in more than 50 years.

From the ISS you can see a patch of the Earth maybe 4000 km wide. The Artemis II folks can see very nearly half the globe.

It’s amazing what can be done with AI these days.

I’ve already seen pics of Earth from Artemis with comments claiming AI.

Why are people so stupid?

FIIK.

Divine Angel said:

Michael V said:

dv said:

The members of this crew are already the first people to get past low earth orbit in more than 50 years.

From the ISS you can see a patch of the Earth maybe 4000 km wide. The Artemis II folks can see very nearly half the globe.

It’s amazing what can be done with AI these days.

I’ve already seen pics of Earth from Artemis with comments claiming AI.

Why are people so stupid?

cos it is easier than being smart.

Divine Angel said:

Michael V said:

dv said:

The members of this crew are already the first people to get past low earth orbit in more than 50 years.

From the ISS you can see a patch of the Earth maybe 4000 km wide. The Artemis II folks can see very nearly half the globe.

It’s amazing what can be done with AI these days.

I’ve already seen pics of Earth from Artemis with comments claiming AI.

Why are people so stupid?

They can’t help it, it’s in their jeans.

Bubblecar said:

Divine Angel said:

Michael V said:

It’s amazing what can be done with AI these days.

I’ve already seen pics of Earth from Artemis with comments claiming AI.

Why are people so stupid?

They can’t help it, it’s in their jeans.

Maybe that where the stupid should keep it, too.

Michael V said:

Bubblecar said:

Divine Angel said:

I’ve already seen pics of Earth from Artemis with comments claiming AI.

Why are people so stupid?

They can’t help it, it’s in their jeans.

Maybe that where the stupid should keep it, too.

we mean how do we know it isn’t fake

SCIENCE said:

Michael V said:

Bubblecar said:

They can’t help it, it’s in their jeans.

Maybe that where the stupid should keep it, too.

we mean how do we know it isn’t fake

Because Earth had the correct number of fingers in the photo. Duh.

“Artemis II crew experiences issues with Microsoft Outlook on their way to the Moon. They’re asking ground crew for help because they have two versions of Microsoft Outlook open and neither is working. “

Thanks Bill Gates. It’s not like they can revert to snail mail.

Crew are now up and brushing their teeth, taking a dump etc.

View a moment ago, from a camera on one of the solar sails, shows the spacecraft and the moon, which is still about 250,000 km away.

Heh, they showed footage out the window of the waste water dump. Looked like a stream of stars rapidly passing by.

Bubblecar said:

Heh, they showed footage out the window of the waste water dump. Looked like a stream of stars rapidly passing by.

The constellation u-rine
-from the film, Apollo 13

Kingy said:

“Artemis II crew experiences issues with Microsoft Outlook on their way to the Moon. They’re asking ground crew for help because they have two versions of Microsoft Outlook open and neither is working. “

Thanks Bill Gates. It’s not like they can revert to snail mail.

Even the Pony Express?

Divine Angel said:

Pretty place, our planet.

Bubblecar said:

Divine Angel said:

Pretty place, our planet.

Shame we’re trashing it

Divine Angel said:

Bubblecar said:

Divine Angel said:

Pretty place, our planet.

Shame we’re trashing it

well some are trying to save it but the american axis aligned bunch love to fk it up

If you look at the live feed now, you can see the craft moving oddly back and forth. This is due to the flywheel exercise machine being in operation.

Seems to cause a potentially dangerous amount of vibration.

SCIENCE said:

Divine Angel said:

Bubblecar said:

Pretty place, our planet.

Shame we’re trashing it

well some are trying to save it but the american axis aligned bunch love to fk it up

Start in your own paddock.

Bubblecar said:

If you look at the live feed now, you can see the craft moving oddly back and forth. This is due to the flywheel exercise machine being in operation.

Seems to cause a potentially dangerous amount of vibration.

Stopped now.

Bubblecar said:

If you look at the live feed now, you can see the craft moving oddly back and forth. This is due to the flywheel exercise machine being in operation.

Seems to cause a potentially dangerous amount of vibration.

Yes it does seem so, but they recon they know what they are doing, until someone breaks it and they all die.

Peak Warming Man said:

Bubblecar said:

If you look at the live feed now, you can see the craft moving oddly back and forth. This is due to the flywheel exercise machine being in operation.

Seems to cause a potentially dangerous amount of vibration.

Yes it does seem so, but they recon they know what they are doing, until someone breaks it and they all die.

Can’t help thinking there’ll be bolts working loose, cables coming adrift etc.

roughbarked said:

SCIENCE said:

Divine Angel said:

Shame we’re trashing it

well some are trying to save it but the american axis aligned bunch love to fk it up

Start in your own paddock.

yes we ensured we weren’t ussaaligned long ago

Bubblecar said:

Peak Warming Man said:

Bubblecar said:

If you look at the live feed now, you can see the craft moving oddly back and forth. This is due to the flywheel exercise machine being in operation.

Seems to cause a potentially dangerous amount of vibration.

Yes it does seem so, but they recon they know what they are doing, until someone breaks it and they all die.

Can’t help thinking there’ll be bolts working loose, cables coming adrift etc.

When I was working on nuclear submarines we had a hatch cover come loose when I was doing push-ups.

Peak Warming Man said:

Bubblecar said:

Peak Warming Man said:

Yes it does seem so, but they recon they know what they are doing, until someone breaks it and they all die.

Can’t help thinking there’ll be bolts working loose, cables coming adrift etc.

When I was working on nuclear submarines we had a hatch cover come loose when I was doing push-ups.

Chuck Norris has entered the chat.

Peak Warming Man said:

Bubblecar said:

Peak Warming Man said:

Yes it does seem so, but they recon they know what they are doing, until someone breaks it and they all die.

Can’t help thinking there’ll be bolts working loose, cables coming adrift etc.

When I was working on nuclear submarines we had a hatch cover come loose when I was doing push-ups.

That’ll teach you to push up on the hatches.

Christina has a lovely head of hair but it does look a bit gorgon-like with no gravity.

Bubblecar said:

Christina has a lovely head of hair but it does look a bit gorgon-like with no gravity.

It is perfect hair for displaying the effect.

roughbarked said:

Bubblecar said:

Christina has a lovely head of hair but it does look a bit gorgon-like with no gravity.

It is perfect hair for displaying the effect.

Mine would look positively scary. Very long at the moment.

Now that they’ve shaken the capsule almost to bits on the exercise machine, they’re stuffing their faces.

Actually the meal is nearly over. Seemed a quite generous amount in those plastic bags. Remarkable that some of it didn’t break free to float around the room.

What seems dated about the Orion capsule: it’s cable chaos in there. You’d think technology would have been able to circumvent all that vulnerable exposed wiring by now.

Bubblecar said:

What seems dated about the Orion capsule: it’s cable chaos in there. You’d think technology would have been able to circumvent all that vulnerable exposed wiring by now.

Best kept within the insulated wires, I’d expect.

Bubblecar said:

What seems dated about the Orion capsule: it’s cable chaos in there. You’d think technology would have been able to circumvent all that vulnerable exposed wiring by now.

It’s only got to last 10 days. Keep it simple stupid is probably the order of the day.

Witty Rejoinder said:

Bubblecar said:

What seems dated about the Orion capsule: it’s cable chaos in there. You’d think technology would have been able to circumvent all that vulnerable exposed wiring by now.

It’s only got to last 10 days. Keep it simple stupid is probably the order of the day.

OTOH these missions are supposed to partly be preparation for epic Mars expeditions.

And massed tangles of cables that the crew have to be familiar with and respectful of is not exactly “simple”.

Bubblecar said:

Witty Rejoinder said:

Bubblecar said:

What seems dated about the Orion capsule: it’s cable chaos in there. You’d think technology would have been able to circumvent all that vulnerable exposed wiring by now.

It’s only got to last 10 days. Keep it simple stupid is probably the order of the day.

OTOH these missions are supposed to partly be preparation for epic Mars expeditions.

And massed tangles of cables that the crew have to be familiar with and respectful of is not exactly “simple”.

I imagine there is also the necessity of easy access to important wiring in case they need to be accessed for repairs/malfunctions.

Bubblecar said:

Witty Rejoinder said:

Bubblecar said:

What seems dated about the Orion capsule: it’s cable chaos in there. You’d think technology would have been able to circumvent all that vulnerable exposed wiring by now.

It’s only got to last 10 days. Keep it simple stupid is probably the order of the day.

OTOH these missions are supposed to partly be preparation for epic Mars expeditions.

And massed tangles of cables that the crew have to be familiar with and respectful of is not exactly “simple”.

These sorts of modules always look like a mess to those with 1G FOR. I went inside one at the Powerhouse Museum.

Launch filmed from a commercial air flight

Michael V said:

Launch filmed from a commercial air flight

Very unusual view, ta.

Spacecraft is now closer to the moon than to Earth.

Mission control a moment ago, showing Capcom desk (Capsule Communication). Note the pizza boxes and plates at far right.

Bubblecar said:

Mission control a moment ago, showing Capcom desk (Capsule Communication). Note the pizza boxes and plates at far right.

so there’s going to be another invasion shortly

In the PR event just now, the Canadian astronaut was speaking French, very badly.

But they’re all still in good spirits and answering questions well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3kR2KK8TEs

Bubblecar said:

In the PR event just now, the Canadian astronaut was speaking French, very badly.

But they’re all still in good spirits and answering questions well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3kR2KK8TEs

I understand that most people in France consider that most Canadian French-speakers speak French badly.

shrinkflation

Now only about 62,000 km from the moon.

Integrity and Houston are still discussing toilets, poo and wee-wee at the moment.

Bubblecar said:

Integrity and Houston are still discussing toilets, poo and wee-wee at the moment.

Rather important topic inside that capsule.

Bubblecar said:

Integrity and Houston are still discussing toilets, poo and wee-wee at the moment.

These are important things when you’re stuck on a small spaceship.

Bubblecar said:

Now only about 62,000 km from the moon.

What’s their closest flyby? About 4000kms, I think?

Apollo 8, Artemis 1 & 2 Orbit Comparison

Divine Angel said:

Bubblecar said:

Now only about 62,000 km from the moon.

What’s their closest flyby? About 4000kms, I think?

4000 miles, which is about 6,400 km.

Where on earth?

NASA uses a mix of both metric and Imperial (US Customary) systems, creating a hybrid approach. While the metric system is primarily used for science, navigation, and international collaboration (e.g., the International Space Station), Imperial units are frequently used for aerospace engineering, Shuttle-era legacy hardware, and public communication.

SNAFU

Ian said:

Where on earth?

Africa

Ian said:

NASA uses a mix of both metric and Imperial (US Customary) systems, creating a hybrid approach. While the metric system is primarily used for science, navigation, and international collaboration (e.g., the International Space Station), Imperial units are frequently used for aerospace engineering, Shuttle-era legacy hardware, and public communication.

SNAFU

Their nuts and bolts are imperial.

roughbarked said:

Ian said:

Where on earth?

Africa

Bit closer…

Ian said:

roughbarked said:

Ian said:

Where on earth?

Africa

Bit closer…

They left out Tasmania as usual.

roughbarked said:

Ian said:

NASA uses a mix of both metric and Imperial (US Customary) systems, creating a hybrid approach. While the metric system is primarily used for science, navigation, and international collaboration (e.g., the International Space Station), Imperial units are frequently used for aerospace engineering, Shuttle-era legacy hardware, and public communication.

SNAFU

Their nuts and bolts are imperial.

so it’s like being multilingual, it makes Americans more clever, the best people in the world

SCIENCE said:

roughbarked said:

Ian said:

NASA uses a mix of both metric and Imperial (US Customary) systems, creating a hybrid approach. While the metric system is primarily used for science, navigation, and international collaboration (e.g., the International Space Station), Imperial units are frequently used for aerospace engineering, Shuttle-era legacy hardware, and public communication.

SNAFU

Their nuts and bolts are imperial.

so it’s like being multilingual, it makes Americans more clever, the best people in the world

Especially when they confuse the two sets of units and send a Mars probe to its doom.

Bubblecar said:

Ian said:

roughbarked said:

Africa

Bit closer…

They left out Tasmania as usual.

:)

The Artemis II team will be further from Earth than any humans have been before, beating the record set by Apollo 13 by around 7000 km.

Ian said:

Where on earth?

I can see my house

dv said:

The Artemis II team will be further from Earth than any humans have been before, beating the record set by Apollo 13 by around 7000 km.

Christina Koch will be the first woman to orbit the moon.

Now….. ummm….. They’re going to the far side of the moon to take some piccies.

Now…. it’s a full moon right now which means the Earth side of the moon is fully lit. That means the “far side” is….. well…. dark.

So how they gunna take any piccies of the far sided, when it’s dark?

There’s no dark side of the Moon really. Matter of fact it’s all dark.

Neophyte said:

dv said:

The Artemis II team will be further from Earth than any humans have been before, beating the record set by Apollo 13 by around 7000 km.

Christina Koch will be the first woman to orbit the moon.

Well this is a simple swing so they won’t be orbiting the moon.

Neophyte said:

dv said:

The Artemis II team will be further from Earth than any humans have been before, beating the record set by Apollo 13 by around 7000 km.

Christina Koch will be the first woman to orbit the moon.

There will be a first woman, first black man, first Canadian and oldest-ever lunar crew member (Commander Reid Wiseman, 50) going round the moon, yes.

Not technically an orbit, but a flyby in a loop, using its gravity to swing back to Earth.

Bubblecar said:

Integrity and Houston are still discussing toilets, poo and wee-wee at the moment.

I just discussed the same thing with Benny Boy. He won’t tell me where he does his poos and pidders.

party_pants said:

Bubblecar said:

Integrity and Houston are still discussing toilets, poo and wee-wee at the moment.

These are important things when you’re stuck on a small spaceship.

What happens when one of them lets go a ruddy great fart? Does it hang around til they get back and open the door?

Woodie said:

Bubblecar said:

Integrity and Houston are still discussing toilets, poo and wee-wee at the moment.

I just discussed the same thing with Benny Boy. He won’t tell me where he does his poos and pidders.

The dam? Useless stuff. He sends it to the dam…

Woodie said:

party_pants said:

Bubblecar said:

Integrity and Houston are still discussing toilets, poo and wee-wee at the moment.

These are important things when you’re stuck on a small spaceship.

What happens when one of them lets go a ruddy great fart? Does it hang around til they get back and open the door?

Luckily they have ventilation systems, but they were playing up a bit earlier, too.

Woodie said:

Bubblecar said:

Integrity and Houston are still discussing toilets, poo and wee-wee at the moment.

I just discussed the same thing with Benny Boy. He won’t tell me where he does his poos and pidders.

Could you ask him if he can contact Bruna on the other side and then find some way of telling me where she left hers? I’ve stood in a couple over the past four days. Unless she’s found yet another way of ghosting me.

:)

Woodie said:

party_pants said:

Bubblecar said:

Integrity and Houston are still discussing toilets, poo and wee-wee at the moment.

These are important things when you’re stuck on a small spaceship.

What happens when one of them lets go a ruddy great fart? Does it hang around til they get back and open the door?

By the same token, what do you do if your nose starts itching when your helmet’s on…or if you sneeze?

Woodie said:

Now….. ummm….. They’re going to the far side of the moon to take some piccies.

Now…. it’s a full moon right now which means the Earth side of the moon is fully lit. That means the “far side” is….. well…. dark.

So how they gunna take any piccies of the far sided, when it’s dark?

There’s no dark side of the Moon really. Matter of fact it’s all dark.

Woodie said:

Now….. ummm….. They’re going to the far side of the moon to take some piccies.

Now…. it’s a full moon right now which means the Earth side of the moon is fully lit. That means the “far side” is….. well…. dark.

So how they gunna take any piccies of the far sided, when it’s dark?

There’s no dark side of the Moon really. Matter of fact it’s all dark.

Flash.

Bubblecar said:

dv said:

Neophyte said:

dv said:

The Artemis II team will be further from Earth than any humans have been before, beating the record set by Apollo 13 by around 7000 km.

Christina Koch will be the first woman to orbit the moon.

Well this is a simple swing so they won’t be orbiting the moon.

There will be a first woman, first black man, first Canadian and oldest-ever lunar crew member (Commander Reid Wiseman, 50) going round the moon, yes.

Not technically an orbit, but a flyby in a loop, using its gravity to swing back to Earth.

oh yeah so why do they technically call them hyperbolic orbits then

SCIENCE said:

Bubblecar said:

dv said:

Well this is a simple swing so they won’t be orbiting the moon.

There will be a first woman, first black man, first Canadian and oldest-ever lunar crew member (Commander Reid Wiseman, 50) going round the moon, yes.

Not technically an orbit, but a flyby in a loop, using its gravity to swing back to Earth.

oh yeah so why do they technically call them hyperbolic orbits then

Because they are above a bolic.

Neophyte said:

Woodie said:

party_pants said:

These are important things when you’re stuck on a small spaceship.

What happens when one of them lets go a ruddy great fart? Does it hang around til they get back and open the door?

By the same token, what do you do if your nose starts itching when your helmet’s on…or if you sneeze?

they have a nose scratcher thingie inside the helmet.

JudgeMental said:

Neophyte said:

Woodie said:

What happens when one of them lets go a ruddy great fart? Does it hang around til they get back and open the door?

By the same token, what do you do if your nose starts itching when your helmet’s on…or if you sneeze?

they have a nose scratcher thingie inside the helmet.

Doesn’t help if you sneeze though.

Divine Angel said:

JudgeMental said:

Neophyte said:

By the same token, what do you do if your nose starts itching when your helmet’s on…or if you sneeze?

they have a nose scratcher thingie inside the helmet.

Doesn’t help if you sneeze though.

quite. you have to lick the inside of the visor clean.

JudgeMental said:

Neophyte said:

Woodie said:

What happens when one of them lets go a ruddy great fart? Does it hang around til they get back and open the door?

By the same token, what do you do if your nose starts itching when your helmet’s on…or if you sneeze?

they have a nose scratcher thingie inside the helmet.

Ya can pick ya helmet but ya can’t pick ya nose.

SCIENCE said:

Bubblecar said:

dv said:

Well this is a simple swing so they won’t be orbiting the moon.

There will be a first woman, first black man, first Canadian and oldest-ever lunar crew member (Commander Reid Wiseman, 50) going round the moon, yes.

Not technically an orbit, but a flyby in a loop, using its gravity to swing back to Earth.

oh yeah so why do they technically call them hyperbolic orbits then

Nonetheless, the verb has a restricted meaning.

Woodie said:

party_pants said:

Bubblecar said:

Integrity and Houston are still discussing toilets, poo and wee-wee at the moment.

These are important things when you’re stuck on a small spaceship.

What happens when one of them lets go a ruddy great fart? Does it hang around til they get back and open the door?

The top of the suit, below the helmet, usually has a rubber ring that you have to squeeze your head through and that acts as a barrier. I believe it’s main reason is that so only the helmet has oxygen in it and not the rest of the suit as well.
The Soviet/Russian Orlan suits are very different, the entire back of the suit opens up so the cosmo/astronaut can get in & out and have the suit ready to go much faster than the US gear. The helmet doesn’t come off (I think) so no rubber barrier.

Not strictly Artemis related…

This week was Gus Grissom’s 100th birthday.

Divine Angel said:

Not strictly Artemis related…

This week was Gus Grissom’s 100th birthday.

“Virgil “Gus” Grissom (1926–1967) was a pioneering NASA astronaut, one of the “Mercury Seven,” and the second American to fly in space. He was the first person to fly in space twice, piloting the Mercury-Redstone 4 (Liberty Bell 7) and Gemini 3 missions. Grissom died in the tragic Apollo 1 cabin fire. “

shakes fist at pure oxygen

Peak Warming Man said:

Divine Angel said:

Not strictly Artemis related…

This week was Gus Grissom’s 100th birthday.

“Virgil “Gus” Grissom (1926–1967) was a pioneering NASA astronaut, one of the “Mercury Seven,” and the second American to fly in space. He was the first person to fly in space twice, piloting the Mercury-Redstone 4 (Liberty Bell 7) and Gemini 3 missions. Grissom died in the tragic Apollo 1 cabin fire. “

shakes fist at pure oxygen

He didn’t blow the hatch.

You know what would be cool? Time-lapse Artemis journey through VR headset.

kii said:

Imagine that.

Around 3am EST.

Woodie said:

Now….. ummm….. They’re going to the far side of the moon to take some piccies.

Now…. it’s a full moon right now which means the Earth side of the moon is fully lit. That means the “far side” is….. well…. dark.

So how they gunna take any piccies of the far sided, when it’s dark?

There’s no dark side of the Moon really. Matter of fact it’s all dark.

It is no longer a full moon.

Far Side

Peak Warming Man said:

Far Side

Larsen had a thing for cows.

roughbarked said:

Woodie said:

Now….. ummm….. They’re going to the far side of the moon to take some piccies.

Now…. it’s a full moon right now which means the Earth side of the moon is fully lit. That means the “far side” is….. well…. dark.

So how they gunna take any piccies of the far sided, when it’s dark?

There’s no dark side of the Moon really. Matter of fact it’s all dark.

It is no longer a full moon.

roughbarked said:

roughbarked said:

Woodie said:

Now….. ummm….. They’re going to the far side of the moon to take some piccies.

Now…. it’s a full moon right now which means the Earth side of the moon is fully lit. That means the “far side” is….. well…. dark.

So how they gunna take any piccies of the far sided, when it’s dark?

There’s no dark side of the Moon really. Matter of fact it’s all dark.

It is no longer a full moon.

I hope they have a giant prism with them, they could play the best prank ever.

Kingy said:

roughbarked said:

roughbarked said:

It is no longer a full moon.

I hope they have a giant prism with them, they could play the best prank ever.

:)

Maybe the moon’s flat like the earth?

Peak Warming Man said:

Maybe the moon’s flat like the earth?

Maybe we live in a block of flats, the flat moon is above us, and below us, it’s just flat turtles all the way down to the basement.

Actually I might copyright that, and print it on tshirts to sell to the gullible idiots.

Jim Lovell sends his greetings to lunar astronauts in a prerecorded message.

https://fb.watch/GjQuIrm_mH/?

Divine Angel said:

Jim Lovell sends his greetings to lunar astronauts in a prerecorded message.

https://fb.watch/GjQuIrm_mH/?

When did he record that?

View of the moon from the external spacecraft video camera is disappointingly low-res.

Quite surprising really that they couldn’t arrange more impressive visual quality in 2026.

dv said:

Divine Angel said:

Jim Lovell sends his greetings to lunar astronauts in a prerecorded message.

https://fb.watch/GjQuIrm_mH/?

When did he record that?

Probably on Sunday.

He has risen.

Bubblecar said:

View of the moon from the external spacecraft video camera is disappointingly low-res.

Quite surprising really that they couldn’t arrange more impressive visual quality in 2026.

Bubblecar said:

Bubblecar said:

View of the moon from the external spacecraft video camera is disappointingly low-res.

Quite surprising really that they couldn’t arrange more impressive visual quality in 2026.

They do have UHD Nikon Z5 cameras but for some reason the feed we are getting is from the various GoPro cameras.

dv said:

Divine Angel said:

Jim Lovell sends his greetings to lunar astronauts in a prerecorded message.

https://fb.watch/GjQuIrm_mH/?

When did he record that?

Probably before he died.

dv said:

Bubblecar said:

Bubblecar said:

View of the moon from the external spacecraft video camera is disappointingly low-res.

Quite surprising really that they couldn’t arrange more impressive visual quality in 2026.

They do have UHD Nikon Z5 cameras but for some reason the feed we are getting is from the various GoPro cameras.

Yes, the crew will be taking high res views. I would have thought the live stream external view would be better than this.

Bubblecar said:

dv said:

Bubblecar said:

They do have UHD Nikon Z5 cameras but for some reason the feed we are getting is from the various GoPro cameras.

Yes, the crew will be taking high res views. I would have thought the live stream external view would be better than this.

I suppose it is possible youtube is nerfing the res to manage load.

Now out of contact with the spacecraft as it traverses the far side.

Bubblecar said:

Now out of contact with the spacecraft as it traverses the far side.

Time to let out the farts so Mission Control won’t hear.

Divine Angel said:

Bubblecar said:

Now out of contact with the spacecraft as it traverses the far side.

Time to let out the farts so Mission Control won’t hear.

won’t somebody open a window?!

Bubblecar said:

Now out of contact with the spacecraft as it traverses the far side.

THEY HAVE LOST CONTACT

Peak Warming Man said:

Bubblecar said:

Now out of contact with the spacecraft as it traverses the far side.

THEY HAVE LOST CONTACT

You forgot to say OVER
!

Back in contact now, ANYWAY.

Apparently another link loss coming up as they experience a solar eclipse.

The far side the Moon, from an hour or so ago.

Spiny Norman said:

The far side the Moon, from an hour or so ago.

That’s more like it, well done.

Bit of a colour boost going on there but I assume it’s for analytical purposes.

Spiny Norman said:

The far side the Moon, from an hour or so ago.

So that’s where Larsen lives.

Crew now winding down for the day, downlinking the rest of the images, having their dinner and going to bed.

Bubblecar said:

Crew now winding down for the day, downlinking the rest of the images, having their dinner and going to bed.

I assume they also have to mindwipe them so they can’t tell anyone the Earth really is flat

Bubblecar said:

Crew now winding down for the day, downlinking the rest of the images, having their dinner and going to bed.

I thought you were gunna say” Crew now winding down the window”

Turns out the OP is from the Dominican Republic, just to break the stereotype.

dv said:

or is this just fantasy?

JudgeMental said:

dv said:

or is this just fantasy?

Ha!

dv said:

BONG!!!

Very impressive portrait of the Orientale basin.

dv said:

That’s a good photo

Cymek said:

dv said:

That’s a good photo

I can’t take all the credit

dv said:

Cymek said:

dv said:

That’s a good photo

I can’t take all the credit

Some friends helped I imagine

dv said:

Brilliant.

(Rubs temples)

These are the smart ones, the educated ones.

Today people were posting pics of Artemis near the Moon.

Except it wasn’t Artemis, it was the star Antares.

Who draws these things?
No, the bloody toilet is NOT on the outside and NO the ‘life support thrusters’ aren’t a thing.

Spiny Norman said:

Who draws these things?
No, the bloody toilet is NOT on the outside and NO the ‘life support thrusters’ aren’t a thing.

AI

Spiny Norman said:

Who draws these things?
No, the bloody toilet is NOT on the outside and NO the ‘life support thrusters’ aren’t a thing.

Probably AI slop.

Spiny Norman said:

Noice.

:)

Divine Angel said:

Nice

dv said:

Divine Angel said:

Nice

Looks like Saturn there at bottom right.

Michael V said:

Spiny Norman said:

Noice.

:)

Fine portrait.

Bubblecar said:

dv said:

Divine Angel said:

Nice

Looks like Saturn there at bottom right.

So it does.

dv said:

(Rubs temples)

These are the smart ones, the educated ones.

FMD

Michael V said:

Bubblecar said:

dv said:

Nice

Looks like Saturn there at bottom right.

So it does.

And well spotted.

Michael V said:

dv said:

(Rubs temples)

These are the smart ones, the educated ones.

FMD

English Clever

I’m sure Artemis had to do a burn to get back, they couldn’t have just used the moon’s gravity to do it but I didn’t see them talking about a burn.

Peak Warming Man said:

I’m sure Artemis had to do a burn to get back, they couldn’t have just used the moon’s gravity to do it but I didn’t see them talking about a burn.

Nope, no burn. Just a clever & accurate trajectory.
They do make tiny course correction burns occasionally though.

Peak Warming Man said:

I’m sure Artemis had to do a burn to get back, they couldn’t have just used the moon’s gravity to do it but I didn’t see them talking about a burn.

A few hours ago they carried out a course correction burn and there may be more.

But the it is indeed a free return trajectory that will bring them back to Earth.

Spiny Norman said:

Peak Warming Man said:

I’m sure Artemis had to do a burn to get back, they couldn’t have just used the moon’s gravity to do it but I didn’t see them talking about a burn.

Nope, no burn. Just a clever & accurate trajectory.
They do make tiny course correction burns occasionally though.

Ta.

Bubblecar said:

Peak Warming Man said:

I’m sure Artemis had to do a burn to get back, they couldn’t have just used the moon’s gravity to do it but I didn’t see them talking about a burn.

A few hours ago they carried out a course correction burn and there may be more.

But the it is indeed a free return trajectory that will bring them back to Earth.

Ta.

Peak Warming Man said:

I’m sure Artemis had to do a burn to get back, they couldn’t have just used the moon’s gravity to do it but I didn’t see them talking about a burn.

I mean it’s called a free-return orbit. Apart from some corrections it’s all Newton.

dv said:

Peak Warming Man said:

I’m sure Artemis had to do a burn to get back, they couldn’t have just used the moon’s gravity to do it but I didn’t see them talking about a burn.

I mean it’s called a free-return orbit. Apart from some corrections it’s all Newton.

OK.

Peak Warming Man said:

dv said:

Peak Warming Man said:

I’m sure Artemis had to do a burn to get back, they couldn’t have just used the moon’s gravity to do it but I didn’t see them talking about a burn.

I mean it’s called a free-return orbit. Apart from some corrections it’s all Newton.

OK.

now about the description of the process as orbiting …

Astronaut’s terrifying warning as Artemis approaches its most dangerous moment

Angus Dalton
April 9, 2026 — 11:40am

The astronauts hurtling back from the moon face the gravest danger of their journey in its final 15 minutes, when they’ll scorch through the atmosphere relying on a 7.5 centimetre-thick heat shield that failed during its last test.

The Orion spacecraft will also rocket back to Earth at 40,000 kilometres per hour on an intense and untrialled trajectory.

The Artemis I mission in 2022 sent Orion on a test run to the moon and back without astronauts. The glaring exception to the mission’s success was the chaotic breakdown of the capsule’s heat shield when it re-entered the Earth’s atmosphere in a fiery cocoon of plasma burning at 2500 degrees.

Former NASA engineer and astronaut Charlie Camarda branded the shield a “failure”, and wrote to the agency claiming technical and organisational problems with Orion represented a “serious risk” to the Artemis II astronauts.

Camarda went to space on NASA’s first flight after seven astronauts died on the Space Shuttle Columbia in 2003 after its heat shield failed. He told the ABC he fears a repeat.

The heat shields are made from a material called Avcoat, which forms a honeycomb of ultra-light tiles made from silica fibres encased in resin.

The material is designed to burn off when the spacecraft travelling at the extraordinary speed of 11 kilometres per second – more than 30 times the speed of sound – hits the atmosphere and generates meteoric temperatures via friction hot enough to melt steel.

The “ablative” shield, physics expert Ed Macaulay explained in The Conversation, is meant to burn away evenly and carry heat away from returning spacecraft.

But the Artemis I capsule splashed down on Earth marred with charred cracks and about 100 missing chunks.

Investigations revealed the explosive setback was down to Artemis I’s “skip re-entry”, a first-of-its-kind trajectory that saw the spacecraft “skip” off the upper atmosphere like a stone across a lake before making its final descent.

The aim of the manoeuvre was to gradually reduce the speed, heat and g-forces experienced by astronauts with a two-phased descent compared to one scorching plunge.

There was an unintended consequence. When the capsule first hit the atmosphere, its shield began to burn and generate gas. When Orion skipped back up into space, the shield’s melting resin hardened, trapping the gas.

Once the capsule again descended, the gas violently expanded and sent chunks blasting off the shield.

“The worry was that, should this happen again on the crewed Artemis II mission, it could expose the interior of the capsule to dangerously high temperatures,” Macaulay wrote.

NASA has said temperatures inside the Artemis I capsule held steady at about 23 to 24 degrees during the shield failure, and any crew inside would have been safe.

The agency has since developed a more porous shield material that would better release trapped gas. But it wasn’t ready in time for Artemis II, which will return to Earth with the original shield.

To solve the problem, NASA has opted for a shorter “skip” time and a more direct re-entry.

The risk of gas generation with a shorter, more intense re-entry is “sufficiently low” that NASA believes it won’t overwhelm the protective layer of char that builds up on the shield, the agency’s associate administrator Amit Kshatriya told a press briefing at the end of 2024.

But it means astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen will undertake the most dangerous part of their mission on a trajectory never tried with Orion.

Before NASA announced it would change the spacecraft’s trajectory, Glover, the pilot of the Artemis II mission, told technology news site Ars Technica: “There’s no guarantee that changing the trajectory is the answer. It will change something, but it won’t necessarily fix it.”

The Artemis II splashdown is expected at 10.07am on Saturday (AEST).

https://www.theage.com.au/world/north-america/astronaut-s-terrifying-warning-as-artemis-approaches-its-most-dangerous-moment-20260408-p5zmd1.html

Witty Rejoinder said:

Astronaut’s terrifying warning as Artemis approaches its most dangerous moment

Angus Dalton
April 9, 2026 — 11:40am

The astronauts hurtling back from the moon face the gravest danger of their journey in its final 15 minutes, when they’ll scorch through the atmosphere relying on a 7.5 centimetre-thick heat shield that failed during its last test.

The Orion spacecraft will also rocket back to Earth at 40,000 kilometres per hour on an intense and untrialled trajectory.

The Artemis I mission in 2022 sent Orion on a test run to the moon and back without astronauts. The glaring exception to the mission’s success was the chaotic breakdown of the capsule’s heat shield when it re-entered the Earth’s atmosphere in a fiery cocoon of plasma burning at 2500 degrees.

Former NASA engineer and astronaut Charlie Camarda branded the shield a “failure”, and wrote to the agency claiming technical and organisational problems with Orion represented a “serious risk” to the Artemis II astronauts.

Camarda went to space on NASA’s first flight after seven astronauts died on the Space Shuttle Columbia in 2003 after its heat shield failed. He told the ABC he fears a repeat.

The heat shields are made from a material called Avcoat, which forms a honeycomb of ultra-light tiles made from silica fibres encased in resin.

The material is designed to burn off when the spacecraft travelling at the extraordinary speed of 11 kilometres per second – more than 30 times the speed of sound – hits the atmosphere and generates meteoric temperatures via friction hot enough to melt steel.

The “ablative” shield, physics expert Ed Macaulay explained in The Conversation, is meant to burn away evenly and carry heat away from returning spacecraft.

But the Artemis I capsule splashed down on Earth marred with charred cracks and about 100 missing chunks.

Investigations revealed the explosive setback was down to Artemis I’s “skip re-entry”, a first-of-its-kind trajectory that saw the spacecraft “skip” off the upper atmosphere like a stone across a lake before making its final descent.

The aim of the manoeuvre was to gradually reduce the speed, heat and g-forces experienced by astronauts with a two-phased descent compared to one scorching plunge.

There was an unintended consequence. When the capsule first hit the atmosphere, its shield began to burn and generate gas. When Orion skipped back up into space, the shield’s melting resin hardened, trapping the gas.

Once the capsule again descended, the gas violently expanded and sent chunks blasting off the shield.

“The worry was that, should this happen again on the crewed Artemis II mission, it could expose the interior of the capsule to dangerously high temperatures,” Macaulay wrote.

NASA has said temperatures inside the Artemis I capsule held steady at about 23 to 24 degrees during the shield failure, and any crew inside would have been safe.

The agency has since developed a more porous shield material that would better release trapped gas. But it wasn’t ready in time for Artemis II, which will return to Earth with the original shield.

To solve the problem, NASA has opted for a shorter “skip” time and a more direct re-entry.

The risk of gas generation with a shorter, more intense re-entry is “sufficiently low” that NASA believes it won’t overwhelm the protective layer of char that builds up on the shield, the agency’s associate administrator Amit Kshatriya told a press briefing at the end of 2024.

But it means astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen will undertake the most dangerous part of their mission on a trajectory never tried with Orion.

Before NASA announced it would change the spacecraft’s trajectory, Glover, the pilot of the Artemis II mission, told technology news site Ars Technica: “There’s no guarantee that changing the trajectory is the answer. It will change something, but it won’t necessarily fix it.”

The Artemis II splashdown is expected at 10.07am on Saturday (AEST).

https://www.theage.com.au/world/north-america/astronaut-s-terrifying-warning-as-artemis-approaches-its-most-dangerous-moment-20260408-p5zmd1.html

Yes, it’s going to be somewhat tense.