Orion capsule

The Orion capsule is a spacecraft developed by NASA, currently being used for the Artemis II mission. This mission, launched in April 2026, carries a crew of four astronauts on a journey around the Moon. Orion is newsworthy due to the ongoing Artemis II mission, which represents a significant step in NASA's renewed focus on lunar exploration. Recent developments include the successful engine burn that propelled the capsule out of Earth's orbit and the capture of high-resolution images of Earth and Venus by the crew. The crew also spent their first day in space navigating, fixing the toilet, and taking pictures. The Artemis II mission and the Orion capsule are relevant as they signify a major advancement in human spaceflight and contribute to our understanding of the Moon and deep space exploration.