In deep space, small adjustments carry large consequences.
Late in the day, astronauts aboard Orion executed a short but critical maneuver, firing the spacecraft’s thrusters for just 17.5 seconds to refine their trajectory toward the Moon. The burn began at 11:03 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time and was coordinated with teams at the NASA Johnson Space Center.
The timing and duration were deliberate. Even minor changes in velocity can alter the spacecraft’s path over hundreds of thousands of miles, making precision essential as the mission approaches lunar proximity.
Commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, and mission specialists Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen remain on track for a planned flyby of the Moon.
Trajectory correction burn sharpens lunar approach
The outbound correction burn marks one of the final propulsion adjustments before the spacecraft reaches the Moon.
Earlier in the mission, multiple planned burns were canceled after flight controllers confirmed Orion was already following a precise trajectory. This maneuver, however, was carried out to fine-tune the spacecraft’s alignment ahead of the flyby.
Such burns are part of standard deep space navigation. They ensure that the spacecraft arrives at the correct position, orientation, and velocity for key mission events.
NASA engineers monitor these maneuvers closely, analyzing performance data to confirm that propulsion systems respond as expected.
Orion survival suit testing completed in orbit
Earlier in the day, the crew completed a full evaluation of the Orion Crew Survival System suits, one of the mission’s key human systems tests.
Each astronaut performed a sequence that included donning and pressurizing the suit, conducting leak checks, simulating seat entry, and assessing mobility. They also tested their ability to eat and drink while wearing the suit.
The suits are designed to support astronauts during high-risk phases of flight, including launch and reentry, and to provide life support in the event of cabin depressurization. They also play a role in post-splashdown survival operations.
Engineers are using the data to assess how the suits perform during extended wear in microgravity, where movement, comfort, and thermal regulation become critical.
NASA
Entering lunar gravity sets stage for far-side flyby
As the day concludes, Orion is scheduled to cross a key threshold. At approximately 12:41 a.m. on April 6, the spacecraft will enter the Moon’s gravitational sphere of influence.
At that point, lunar gravity becomes the dominant force shaping the spacecraft’s trajectory, marking a shift from transit to direct lunar interaction.
The milestone sets up the next phase of the mission: a flight around the far side of the Moon.
This segment carries both operational and symbolic weight. It will take the crew out of direct communication with Earth for a period, as the Moon blocks radio signals, and position Orion for its primary observation window.
Inside the capsule, preparations are largely complete. The trajectory has been refined, systems have been tested, and the crew has worked through the procedures that will guide them through the flyby.
The spacecraft continues forward on a path that now depends less on correction and more on execution.
Key lunar flyby times, milestones (all times Eastern subject to change based on real-time operations):
- 1 p.m.: NASA+ coverage of lunar flyby begins.
- 1:56 p.m.: The crew will surpass the record for humans’ farthest distance from Earth, previously set by Apollo 13 in 1970.
- 2:10 p.m.: Crew remarks on breaking Apollo 13 distance record (audio only)
- 2:15 p.m.: Crew configures Orion’s cabin for flyby operations
- 2:45 p.m.: Lunar observation begins
- 6:44 p.m.: Predicted loss of communications as crew heads behind the Moon (approximately 40 minutes)
- 7:02 p.m. Orion closest approach to the Moon (4,070 miles)
- 7:07 p.m.: Orion reaches maximum distance from Earth (252,757 miles)
- 7:25 p.m.: “Earthrise” marks Earth coming back into view on the opposite edge of the moon; Predicted acquisition of communications as crew reemerges from behind the Moon
- 8:35-9:32 p.m.: During a solar eclipse, the Sun will pass behind the Moon from the crew’s perspective
- 9:20 p.m.: Lunar observation concludes
The crew is scheduled to begin their sleep period for the day at 2:20 a.m., and will receive their wake up call to begin flight day 6 at 10:50 a.m. on Monday, April 6.
Watch live coverage of the Artemis II lunar flyby on NASA+, Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Hulu, Netflix, HBO Max and Roku beginning at 1 p.m., alongside the agency’s 24/7 coverage on its YouTube channel. Learn how to stream NASA content through a variety of online platforms, including social media.
Also Read:
Artemis II Update-14, Day 5: Crew Demos Suits, Readies for Lunar Flyby
Artemis II Update-13, Day 5: Crew Tests Survival Suits As Spacecraft Nears Lunar Gravity Zone