Post #829829
2026-03-28 08:12 UTC
Artemis II SPICE kernel was released yesterday.
What is a SPICE kernel?
SPICE kernels are high-precision trajectory data files used by mission planners and weirdos like me.
What does this mean?
1. The flight trajectory is locked in, and we are officially headed for a look at the far side of the Moon.
2. My weekend plans just underwent an imminent mid-course correction.
Replies (1)
-
@Russssty@mastodon.social 2026-03-28 16:43
A sneak peek at the #ArtemisII trajectory... Captured at Mission Time 08:06:36:00 (2026-04-10), Orion is seen on its return leg to Earth at 1.65 km/s. This is the "Free-Return" in action, four days after the spacecraft reached Perilune. It bears repeating: This mission is a massive international achievement, regardless of the MAGA noise. The spacecraft is powered by the European Service Module (ESM-2) made by #ESA/Airbus in Bremen.