Groups | Search | Server Info | Login | Register

Groups > sci.astro > #66680

Re: Artemis successful liftoff.

Cross-posted to 3 groups.

Show all headers | View raw

On 2026-04-10 1:47, x3 wrote:
> On 4/1/26 17:05, Jack Ryan wrote:
>> 6:43 p.m.
>>
>> Main engine cutoff of the SLS (Space Launch System) core stage is
>> complete, and the core stage has successfully separated from the interim
>> cryogenic propulsion stage and the Orion spacecraft. This marks the 
>> end of
>> the first major propulsion phase of the Artemis II mission and the
>> transition to upper-stage operations.
> 
> I just noticed that the moon is new on April 17th, but return to
> Earth is scheduled for April 10th.  Isn't that inefficient because
> the far side had less sunlight during orbit?

It was explained to me thus: the northern latitude of the launch 
location means that, for least propellant use, the trip had to made when 
the Moon is south of the celestial equator. At this time of the year, 
that coincides with the Moon being closer to full than to new.

While this situation may have limited the astronauts' view of the Moon's 
far side, on the other hand they saw a nice eclipse of the Sun by the 
Moon, and an Earth entirely illuminated by Moonshine.

Back to sci.astro | Previous | Next — Previous in thread | Find similar

Thread

Artemis successful liftoff. Jack Ryan <noreply@remailer.cpunk.us> - 2026-04-02 02:05 +0200
  Re: Artemis successful liftoff. Snidely <snidely.too@gmail.com> - 2026-04-01 18:48 -0700
  Re: Artemis successful liftoff. Yamn2 Remailer <noreply@mixmin.net> - 2026-04-02 08:50 +0100
    Re: Artemis successful liftoff. Snidely <snidely.too@gmail.com> - 2026-04-04 14:08 -0700
      Re: Artemis successful liftoff. Snidely <snidely.too@gmail.com> - 2026-04-04 15:38 -0700
  Re: Artemis successful liftoff. x3 <x@x.net> - 2026-04-09 15:47 -0700
    Re: Artemis successful liftoff. Niklas Holsti <niklas.holsti@tidorum.invalid> - 2026-04-10 17:43 +0300

csiph-web