Orion sent impressive photos of the Moon taken from a distance of 130 km

A few days ago, Orion cameras took pictures of the moon when the spacecraft flew at a distance of about 130 km from the surface of the satellite.

Here's What We Know

The images were taken on November 21 using the spacecraft's onboard navigation camera. In a few hours, Orion will perform another important maneuver that will allow it to enter high near-lunar orbit.

The spacecraft will orbit the moon as part of the Artemis I mission, which will assess its readiness (and that of the Space Launch System rocket) for future manned missions. It will remain in high lunar orbit until Dec. 1.

By photographing the satellite, NASA has tested the spacecraft's optical navigation system in different light conditions. It will be useful in future manned missions. Orion will return to Earth on December 11. If the mission is deemed successful, the space agency will launch the ship in 2024 to fly around the moon, but with the crew, and the landing is scheduled for 2025. Note that next month will mark the 50th anniversary of the last Apollo moon landing.

Source: space