FD1 · Launch — SLS liftoff
PASTSpace Launch System lifts off from Launch Complex 39B at Kennedy Space Center. Crew: Reid Wiseman (CDR), Victor Glover (PLT), Christina Koch (MSP), Jeremy Hansen (MSP).
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FD1 · SLS stage separation & Orion ignition
PASTCore stage separates; Orion spacecraft enters space with crew at approximately T+8 minutes.
FD1 · ICPS perigee-raise burn
PASTICPS engine fires at T+49 min to raise perigee to a safe altitude of ~100 miles, preventing early atmospheric re-entry.
FD1 · ICPS high-Earth orbit insertion burn
PASTSecond ICPS burn at T+1 hour raises Orion into high-Earth orbit for systems checks and crew acclimatisation.
FD1 · Orion handling characteristics test
PASTNASA tests Orion spacecraft handling and response characteristics at T+3 hours while in high-Earth orbit.
FD2 · Trans-Lunar Injection (TLI) burn
PASTMain engine provides up to 6,000 lbf of thrust to accelerate Orion out of Earth orbit toward the Moon. This is the mission's critical propulsion milestone.
FD2 · First space-to-ground video call
PASTCrew conducts first space-to-ground video communication via Deep Space Network as Orion coasts toward the Moon.
FD3 · Outbound trajectory correction burn #1
PASTFirst of three outbound trajectory corrections to fine-tune the lunar approach path. Hansen prepares and monitors systems.
FD3 · Deep Space Network emergency comms test
PASTEmergency communications checkout on Deep Space Network; scientific observation rehearsal for upcoming lunar flyby.
FD4 · Outbound trajectory correction burn #2
PASTSecond trajectory correction burn. Crew reviews geographic targets for lunar imaging; 20 minutes dedicated to photographing celestial bodies.
FD5 · Spacesuit pressurisation tests
PASTExtensive spacesuit testing — the first astronauts to wear the new Orion Crew Survival System suits in space. Tests cover pressurisation, seat installation, helmet eating/drinking ports.
FD5 · Final outbound trajectory correction burn
PASTThird and final outbound correction burn before lunar flyby. Orion enters the lunar sphere of influence — the Moon's gravity exceeds Earth's.
FD5 · Lunar sphere of influence entry
PASTOrion enters the Moon's gravitational sphere of influence. The Moon's gravity now exceeds Earth's pull on the spacecraft.
FD6 · Lunar comms blackout begins
PASTOrion loses communication with Earth for 30–50 minutes during closest lunar approach. Mission control is unable to send or receive signals.
Live
FD6 · Lunar closest approach (4,000–6,000 mi)
CURRENTOrion reaches closest approach within 4,000–6,000 miles of the lunar surface — potentially setting a record for the farthest humans have ever travelled from Earth. Crew photographs and videos the Moon.
Upcoming
FD6 · Potential farthest-from-Earth record
UPCOMINGDepending on launch geometry, this pass could set a new record for the farthest distance humans have ever been from Earth, surpassing the Apollo 13 crew's record.
FD7 · Exits lunar sphere of influence
UPCOMINGOrion exits the Moon's sphere of influence; Earth's gravity now dominates. Crew largely off-duty as spacecraft begins return coast.
FD7 · Return trajectory correction burn #1
UPCOMINGFirst of three return-path trajectory correction burns to target Pacific Ocean splashdown zone.
FD8 · Radiation shelter construction demo
UPCOMINGCrew demonstrates radiation shelter construction procedure — how astronauts would stack equipment and supplies to create a protective barrier during a solar energetic particle event.
FD8 · Manual piloting capability test
UPCOMINGCrew tests Orion's manual piloting capability — centering a chosen target in the spacecraft windows and performing attitude maneuvers to validate deep-space manual control.
FD9 · Re-entry preparation
UPCOMINGCrew studies re-entry and splashdown procedures. Activities include waste collection system demonstration and orthostatic intolerance garment fit checks.
FD9 · Final return trajectory correction burn
UPCOMINGLast trajectory correction burn of the mission ensures precise splashdown target accuracy in the Pacific Ocean.
FD10 · Service module separation
UPCOMINGOrion service module separates from the crew module. Crew is in spacesuits; cabin is stowed and prepared for re-entry loads.
FD10 · Atmospheric re-entry (~3,000 °F)
UPCOMINGOrion heat shield protects crew at temperatures of approximately 3,000 °F (1,650 °C) as the spacecraft decelerates from ~25,000 mph. Two drogue parachutes deploy at 307 mph.
FD10 · Splashdown — Pacific Ocean
UPCOMINGThree main parachutes slow Orion to ~17 mph for splashdown in the Pacific Ocean. NASA and U.S. Navy recovery personnel retrieve crew and spacecraft.