Four astronauts are now inexorably bound for the Moon
The Orion spacecraft has successfully fired its main engine, sending four astronauts on a trajectory around the Moon. This marks a point of no return for the crew, who will fly around the Moon on Monday and splash down in the Pacific Ocean on April 10.
The Orion spacecraft fired its main engine for 5 minutes and 50 seconds, sending four astronauts on a free-return trajectory around the Moon. This burn sets the crew on a course to fly around the Moon on Monday. The crew had a busy day on board Orion, testing the spacecraft's life support and propulsion systems. The life support functioned well, including critical systems like carbon dioxide scrubbers and water systems. A minor issue with the toilet was resolved by adding more water. The crew will slingshot back toward Earth under lunar gravity and splash down in the Pacific Ocean on April 10.
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