home
/
blog
/
artemis-ics

Complete Timeline of the Artemis II Mission: Download the Calendar

2 minutes
The Artemis II mission marks humanity's return to the lunar neighborhood. Since launch windows in the aerospace industry can vary, I have created this interactive tool.

Artemis II Mission Milestones: Minute by Minute

Below, I explain in detail what occurs at each of these critical moments during the 9-day mission. Times are marked in MET (Mission Elapsed Time), which indicates the Days/Hours:Minutes elapsed from the exact moment of liftoff. Source: [5].
MET 0d -8:00Apr 01, 14:35

❄️ Propellant Load

Cryogenic liquid oxygen (LOX) and liquid hydrogen (LH2) loading begins in the SLS core stage.

PrelaunchPad 39B
MET 0d -4:-30Apr 01, 18:05

πŸšΆβ€β™‚οΈ Crew Walkout

Astronauts exit the O&C building and board the Astrovan transport vehicles to the pad.

PrelaunchPad 39B
MET 0d -3:-15Apr 01, 19:20

πŸ§‘β€πŸš€ Capsule Ingress

The crew arrives at the "White Room" on the launch tower and begins boarding Orion.

PrelaunchPad 39B
MET 0d -2:-10Apr 01, 20:25

πŸšͺ Hatch Closure

Orion's side hatch is closed and sealed. Leak checks are underway.

PrelaunchPad 39B
MET 0d 00:-10Apr 01, 22:25

⏱️ Terminal Countdown

The Launch Director gives the final "GO". Automated countdown initiates.

PrelaunchPad 39B
MET 0d 00:-1Apr 01, 22:34

πŸ’» Auto Sequence Hand-off

Ground systems hand off control to SLS flight computers. Ignition sequence begins.

PrelaunchPad 39B
MET 0d 00:00Apr 01, 22:35

πŸš€ Liftoff (Ascent)

RS-25 engines and solid boosters come to life. Official start of the MET clock.

AscentAscent
MET 0d 00:30Apr 01, 23:05

🌬️ Cabin Depress (DFTO 3, 2)

Spacesuit seal test. Cabin pressure is intentionally reduced.

AscentAscent
MET 0d 00:50Apr 01, 23:25

πŸ”₯ Perigee Raise Maneuver (ICPS PRM)

The upper stage fires engines to stabilize initial orbit 50 minutes into flight.

LEOMNVRS
MET 0d 01:00Apr 01, 23:35

πŸ’» Pre ARB C/Os

Preliminary systems checkouts prior to the apogee raise maneuver.

LEOMNVRs
MET 0d 01:47Apr 02, 00:22

πŸ”₯ Apogee Raise Burn (ARB TIG)

Burn scheduled at 0/01:47 to elongate the orbit elliptically to gain altitude.

LEOARB
MET 0d 02:30Apr 02, 01:05

πŸ§‘β€πŸš€ Doff Survival Suits (OCSS)

Astronauts take off the heavy orange Orion Crew Survival System suits.

LEOB-XSI
MET 0d 03:23Apr 02, 01:58

πŸ”— Orion/ICPS Spring Sep

Orion spacecraft physically disconnects from the upper stage via springs at 3 hours 23 minutes.

LEOB-XSI
MET 0d 04:51Apr 02, 03:26

πŸ›°οΈ Prox Ops Demo (Orion USS)

At 0/04:51, astronauts test manual controls flying in proximity to the discarded stage.

LEOProx Ops Demo
MET 0d 05:02Apr 02, 03:37

πŸ—‘οΈ ICPS Disposal Burn

The ICPS stage fires its engine at 0/05:02 to move to a safe graveyard orbit.

LEOBias -XSI
MET 0d 05:27Apr 02, 04:02

β˜€οΈ Solar Panel Deploy (SPL)

At 0/05:27, the European Service Module deploys its four solar arrays.

LEOBias -XSI
MET 0d 06:00Apr 02, 04:35

πŸ“· Dock Cam Bearing

Optical camera bearing alignment scheduled at 0/06:00.

LEOBias -XSI
MET 0d 06:30Apr 02, 05:05

🍲 Cabin Config

Organization of supplies inside the capsule.

LEOBias -XSI
MET 0d 07:30Apr 02, 06:05

πŸŽ™οΈ PAD / PMC Checks

Private medical conference (PMC) and Preliminary Advisory Data review.

LEOBias -XSI
MET 0d 08:00Apr 02, 06:35

πŸ’€ First Sleep Cycle (4 hrs)

Brief 4-hour crew rest after the launch day.

High Earth OrbitBias -XSI
MET 0d 10:06Apr 02, 08:41

πŸ“‘ OpComm Activation

Initial activation of the laser optical communications system at 0/10:06.

High Earth OrbitBias -XSI
MET 0d 13:30Apr 02, 12:05

πŸ”₯ Orion Perigee Raise Burn (PRB)

Orion fires its main engine at 0/13:30 to adjust final orbit before jumping to the Moon.

High Earth OrbitBias -XSI
MET 0d 14:15Apr 02, 12:50

πŸ”­ OpNav C/O

Optical navigation system checkouts at 0/14:15.

High Earth OrbitBias -XSI
MET 0d 15:00Apr 02, 13:35

πŸ’€ Second Sleep (4.5 hrs)

Main 4.5-hour sleep cycle to prepare for lunar injection.

High Earth OrbitBias -XSI
MET 0d 21:30Apr 02, 20:05

πŸ“ž TLI Conf (Go/No-Go)

Critical conference to authorize leaving Earth orbit. This stage is crucial to ensure all systems are ready for the jump to the Moon.

High Earth OrbitBias-XSI
MET 0d 22:00Apr 02, 20:35

πŸ’ͺ Exercise Test

Test of the cabin's resistive exercise equipment.

High Earth OrbitBias -XSI
MET 0d 23:00Apr 02, 21:35

🌬️ ECLSS CO2 Monitor DFTO

Flight test of the life support system's carbon dioxide monitor.

High Earth OrbitBias -XSI
MET 0d 23:30Apr 02, 22:05

πŸ› οΈ Asc Bracket Uninstall

Uninstalling the docking camera and ascent brackets to free up space.

High Earth OrbitBias -XSI
MET 1d 01:08Apr 02, 23:43

πŸš€ Trans-Lunar Injection (Orion TLI)

Main burn at 01/01:08:42. The ship leaves Earth heading for the Moon.

Trans-LunarTLI
MET 1d 02:00Apr 03, 00:35

🍲 Meal

Meal routine for the crew.

Trans-LunarBias -XSI
MET 1d 04:00Apr 03, 02:35

πŸŽ™οΈ PAO Event

Public Affairs Office connection.

Trans-LunarBias -XSI
MET 1d 05:00Apr 03, 03:35

πŸ‘€ Window Inspect

Detailed visual inspection of capsule windows.

Trans-LunarBias -XSI
MET 1d 06:00Apr 03, 04:35

πŸ› οΈ Dual Cam Bracket Install

Installation of the dual camera bracket for deep space operations.

Trans-LunarBias -XSI
MET 1d 10:00Apr 03, 08:35

πŸ’€ Deep Space Sleep (8.5 hrs)

Standard 8.5-hour rest cycle.

Trans-LunarBias -XSI
MET 1d 14:00Apr 03, 12:35

πŸ” Thermal Inspection (CM/SM Survey)

Use of cameras at 01/14:00 to scan the heat shield for damage.

Trans-LunarSurvey
MET 1d 15:00Apr 03, 13:35

πŸ“‘ OpCom ANU Demo

Advanced link demonstration of the optical communications system.

Trans-LunarBias -XSI
MET 2d 01:08Apr 03, 23:43

πŸ› οΈ Outbound Correction (OTC-1)

First Outbound Trajectory Correction burn scheduled at 02/01:08:42.

Trans-LunarOTC
MET 2d 03:00Apr 04, 01:35

🩺 CPR Demo

Astronauts perform a Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) demo in microgravity.

Trans-LunarBias -XSI
MET 2d 05:00Apr 04, 03:35

πŸ“‘ SAT Mode Test

Test of the satellite communications mode.

Trans-LunarDFTO
MET 2d 06:00Apr 04, 04:35

βš•οΈ Med Kit

Review of the onboard medical kit.

Trans-LunarBias -XSI
MET 2d 07:00Apr 04, 05:35

πŸŒ™ Lunar Cab

Cabin configuration for lunar proximity operations.

Trans-LunarBias -XSI
MET 2d 08:00Apr 04, 06:35

πŸ“ž DSN Emergency Comms

Emergency link test (EMER Comm DFTO-EM2-22) with the Deep Space Network.

Trans-LunarBias -XSI
MET 2d 09:00Apr 04, 07:35

πŸŽ™οΈ CSA PAO Event

Exclusive link with the Canadian Space Agency (CSA).

Trans-LunarBias -XSI
MET 2d 10:00Apr 04, 08:35

πŸ“· Dock Cam Misalign Test

Test DFTO-EM2-03 forcing a virtual misalignment of the optical camera.

Trans-LunarFTO
MET 2d 12:00Apr 04, 10:35

πŸ’€ Sleep Cycle (FD03)

8.5 hours rest.

Trans-LunarBias -XSI
MET 3d 01:08Apr 04, 23:43

πŸ› οΈ Outbound Correction (OTC-2)

Second trajectory correction scheduled at 3/01:08:42.

Trans-LunarOTC
MET 3d 02:00Apr 05, 00:35

πŸ§ͺ Min ECLSS DFTO

Minimum environmental systems test (DFTO EM2-18).

Trans-LunarBias -XSI
MET 3d 03:00Apr 05, 01:35

🎧 Start 24h Acoustic DFTO

Starts a continuous ambient noise measurement test (EM2-7).

Trans-LunarBias -XSI
MET 3d 04:00Apr 05, 02:35

πŸ“· Dock Cam & Bracket Install

Installation of additional optical tools.

Trans-LunarBias -XSI
MET 3d 07:00Apr 05, 05:35

🧭 NAV FTO

Navigation flight objectives test at 03/07:00 (EM2-223).

Trans-LunarDFTO
MET 3d 10:00Apr 05, 08:35

πŸ’€ Early Sleep Cycle

8.5-hour rest shifted 45 minutes earlier in preparation for the Moon.

Trans-LunarBias -XSI
MET 4d 04:29Apr 06, 03:04

πŸ› οΈ OTC-3

Third and final powered correction (4/04:29:52) before lunar influence.

Trans-LunarOTC
MET 4d 06:38Apr 06, 05:13

πŸŒ‘ Lunar SOI Entry

Orion crosses the Moon's gravitational boundary at 4/06:38.

Trans-LunarBias -XSI
MET 4d 07:00Apr 06, 05:35

🎧 End 24h Acoustic DFTO

24-hour ambient recording ends.

Trans-LunarBias -XSI
MET 4d 09:00Apr 06, 07:35

🌬️ Vent to 10.2 psi

Cabin pressure is equalized to reduced levels.

Trans-LunarBias -XSI
MET 4d 10:00Apr 06, 08:35

πŸ“· Dock Cam Misalign Test

Test DFTO-EM2-03 prior to approaching the lunar surface.

Trans-LunarBias -XSI
MET 4d 12:00Apr 06, 10:35

πŸ’€ Sleep Cycle (Pre-flyby)

Rest shifted 1 hour earlier; the last before the encounter.

Trans-LunarBias -XSI
MET 5d 00:29Apr 06, 23:04

πŸŒ• Lunar Close Approach

Closest point on the far side of the Moon at 5/00:29:59.

Trans-EarthNav
MET 5d 00:35Apr 06, 23:10

🌌 Max Earth Distance

The furthest point from Earth at 5/00:35.

Trans-EarthNav
MET 5d 02:00Apr 07, 00:35

πŸ† Apollo Record

The crew breaks the historical distance record.

Trans-EarthBias -XSI
MET 5d 04:00Apr 07, 02:35

πŸ”­ Lunar Obs

Visual observations of the Moon's surface following the flyby.

Trans-EarthObsv
MET 5d 12:30Apr 07, 11:05

πŸ” Post-Lunar Survey

External review of the heat shield at 05/12:30.

Trans-EarthSurvey
MET 5d 18:53Apr 07, 17:28

🌍 Lunar SOI Exit

Exit from the Moon's gravitational influence at 5/18:53.

Trans-EarthBias -XSI
MET 5d 20:00Apr 07, 18:35

πŸ’€ Deep Sleep (9.5 hrs)

Extended 9.5-hour sleep shift pushed 1 hour later.

Trans-EarthBias -XSI
MET 6d 01:29Apr 08, 00:04

πŸ› οΈ Return Trajectory Correction RTC-1

First Return Trajectory Correction burn scheduled at 6/01:29:52.

Trans-EarthRTC1
MET 6d 05:00Apr 08, 03:35

πŸ“· Dock Cam WW Dump

Download of data captured by flight objectives (Dock Cam WW Dump FTO).

Trans-EarthBias -XSI
MET 6d 06:00Apr 08, 04:35

πŸ“· Dock Cam Misalign

Continuation of misalignment tests on the return journey.

Trans-EarthBias -XSI
MET 7d 04:00Apr 09, 02:35

☒️ Rad Shelter Demo

Test construction of the solar storm radiation shelter using internal storage.

Trans-EarthDFTO
MET 7d 17:30Apr 09, 16:05

πŸ’» FCS Checkouts

Tests of the Flight Control System (FCS) computers at 7/17:30.

Trans-EarthBias -XSI
MET 7d 19:00Apr 09, 17:35

πŸ“Š Modal Survey DFTO

Inspections of structural dynamics and vibrations of the crew module (EM2-27).

Trans-EarthBias -XSI
MET 7d 21:00Apr 09, 19:35

πŸ’§ Urine Venting Test

Expulsion test into deep space (DFTO EM2-26).

Trans-EarthBias -XSI
MET 8d 01:00Apr 09, 23:35

🌬️ Repress to 14.7 psi

Restoration of cabin pressure to standard levels.

Trans-EarthBias -XSI
MET 8d 03:00Apr 10, 01:35

πŸ§‘β€πŸš€ Suit Up (OIG Don)

Astronauts don orange survival suits preparing for landing.

Trans-EarthDFTO
MET 8d 04:29Apr 10, 03:04

πŸ› οΈ Return Trajectory Correction RTC-2

Fine tuning scheduled at 8/04:29:10 to secure the atmospheric corridor.

Trans-EarthRTC
MET 8d 13:00Apr 10, 11:35

πŸŽ’ Entry Stow

Final stowage of all loose cabin items.

Trans-EarthEntry Stow
MET 8d 20:29Apr 10, 19:04

πŸ› οΈ Return Trajectory Correction RTC-3

Final ballistic adjustment straight towards the Pacific Ocean at 8/20:29:10.

Trans-EarthRTC3
MET 9d 01:09Apr 10, 23:44

πŸ”— Module Separation (CM/SM Sep)

The European Service Module is discarded at 09/01:09 to burn up in the atmosphere.

EDLEntry C/L
MET 9d 01:15Apr 10, 23:50

πŸ’§ +X Leak Detection

Final leak detection test (DFTO) prior to atmospheric entry.

EDLEntry C/L
MET 9d 01:29Apr 11, 00:04

πŸ”₯ Entry Interface

Capsule hits the atmosphere at Mach 32 at 09/01:29.

EDLEntry C/L
MET 9d 01:42Apr 11, 00:17

🌊 Splashdown

Splashdown in the waters of the Pacific Ocean at 09/01:42:48. Mission accomplished!

RecoveryRecovery Ops

References

    Cargando referencia...Cargando referencia...Cargando referencia...Cargando referencia...Cargando referencia...

Other posts: