NASA’s Artemis 2 crew has named their Orion spacecraft ‘Integrity’, announced on 24 September. Four astronauts will fly this craft to the Moon. Commander Reid Wiseman led the naming process, joined by Pilot Victor Glover and Mission Specialists Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen. The mission may launch on 5 February 2026.
Integrity: What is Behind the Name
The name ‘Integrity’ reflects the mission’s core values and spirit, including trust, respect, candour and humility. It honours the thousands of individuals who have contributed to the mission’s success, including engineers, scientists, technicians and other specialists. The name symbolises teamwork spanning multiple countries and cultures.
The Artemis 2 Mission
Artemis 2 is the first crewed lunar mission in decades. It will involve a ten-day flight around the Moon, during which the crew will test Orion’s systems in deep space. The mission does not include a lunar landing but will orbit the Moon before returning to Earth. This flight prepares the way for Artemis 3, which aims to land astronauts on the Moon.
The astronauts will launch atop a Space Launch System rocket during a window extending from 5 February to 26 April 2026. They will fly ‘Integrity’ on a journey around the Moon and back to Earth, a mission lasting approximately ten days.
Crew Preparedness and Training
The Artemis 2 astronauts are confident and well-prepared for all scenarios. They have trained extensively to handle potential challenges during the mission. Their preparation highlights the Artemis programme’s key goals, which include returning humans to the Moon and, eventually, to Mars.
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