Earth To Moon And Back: Why Will The Artemis-II Crew Take The Cosmic Figure-8 Path

Last Updated:February 02, 2026, 15:09 IST

NASA’s Orion will take the Artemis-II crew farther than humans have gone in decades, tracing a unique figure-8 orbit around the Moon

Artemis-II is a critical test for deep-space human travel.

Four astronauts are set to embark on a historic mission, flying around the Moon along a unique orbital path. This journey is a major step toward returning humans to the Moon after decades. NASA’s Orion spacecraft will carry the Artemis-II crew to regions humans haven’t visited in many years.

On this mission, the astronauts will follow a figure-8-shaped orbit around the Moon, marking the first time in over 50 years that humans have ventured so far from Earth’s immediate vicinity.

Meet The Crew

The Artemis-II crew aboard Orion includes:

• Commander Reid Wiseman
• Pilot Victor Glover
• Mission Specialist Christina Koch
• Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen

Their mission won’t be a straight path to the Moon. Instead, they will traverse a large figure-8 route, circling both the near and far sides of the Moon before returning to Earth.

This trajectory is known as a free-return trajectory, a clever application of orbital mechanics designed to maximise safety.

Launch And Early Orbit

The journey begins with the Space Launch System (SLS), the world’s most powerful rocket, which will carry the Orion spacecraft and astronauts to the Moon.

Before heading to lunar orbit, the crew will spend about 24 hours in a high elliptical orbit around Earth. This phase ensures Orion’s life-support systems function perfectly and allows for an emergency return to Earth if any issues arise.

Once mission control gives the go-ahead, Orion’s engines will fire for the trans-lunar injection, starting the four-day journey toward the Moon.

Why The Figure-8 Path Matters

The figure-8 trajectory offers a critical safety advantage. Using the Moon’s gravity, Orion can circle the far side and return to Earth even if propulsion systems fail. Gravity acts like a natural safety rope, which is why this route is often called a cosmic safety net for astronauts.

During the flyby, the crew will travel thousands of kilometres beyond the far side of the Moon, farther than any humans have ever ventured. While the mission won’t involve landing, astronauts will experience close-up views of the Moon’s craters and witness a stunning Earthrise from deep space.

Artemis-II: Paving The Way For Moon Exploration

Artemis-II is a critical test for deep-space human travel. Unlike Artemis-I, which carried an uncrewed capsule, this mission will keep four astronauts safe and healthy in the harsh environment of space.

The mission will also demonstrate Orion’s heat shield, which must withstand re-entry friction at about 40,234 km/h, where surface temperatures can reach 2,760°C.

On January 23, the astronauts began their health stabilisation period to ensure they are fully fit for the mission.

Preparing For A New Era Of Space Discovery

Successfully completing Artemis-II will bring humanity 100% closer to establishing a permanent lunar base. The mission underscores that the Moon is no longer merely a distant light in the sky, but a reachable destination once again.

Artemis-II also lays the foundation for Artemis-III, which aims to:

• Land the first woman on the Moon
• Land the first person from a minority community on the Moon

This will mark the beginning of a new era of human space exploration, with Artemis-II acting as a vital stepping stone for future lunar missions.

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