Orion’s Journey Around the Moon
Learn about Orion’s journey to the Moon on Artemis I! After blasting off from Earth on the Space Launch System rocket, Orion will fly 240,000 miles to the Moon. Then, Orion will fly 40,000 miles past the Moon, father than any other spacecraft built for humans has gone before. Check out the video series to learn more about the special path Orion will take on this mission. Then, color your own Orion on the different parts of the journey!
Quick Facts
Orion returns to Earth at a speed of about 25,000 mph from its missions. At this speed, Orion could travel from Los Angeles to New York City in 6 minutes, while a normal flight on commercial airlines takes 5.5 hours.
On Artemis I, Orion traveled 268,563 miles from Earth, going further than any spacecraft designed for humans has ever been.
On its way to distant retrograde orbit (DRO), Orion will execute a lunar flyby, soaring approximately 60 miles above the Moon’s surface.
DRO provides a highly stable orbit where little fuel is required to stay for an extended trip in deep space, and Orion’s systems can be put to the test in an environment far from Earth.
Orion’s DRO Journey Animated
Getting to the Moon isn’t as simple as flying straight there! Learn more about how NASA’s Orion spacecraft will journey to the Moon.
On Artemis I, once Orion reaches the Moon, the spacecraft will travel in a distant retrograde orbit, or DRO. Learn more about Orion’s special path.
Orion will leave DRO and come back to Earth, splashing down in the Pacific Ocean. Learn more about how Orion returns home after its mission.
