On this day last year, the Artemis I rocket and spacecraft lit up the sky and embarked on the revolutionary mission to the Moon and back. The first integrated flight test of the rocket and spacecraft continued for 25.5 days, validating NASA’s deep exploration systems and setting the stage for humanity’s return to the lunar surface.
On Nov. 16, 2022, the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket met or exceeded all expectations during its debut launch on Artemis I. The twin solid rocket booster motors responsible for producing more than 7 million pounds of thrust at liftoff reached their performance target, helping SLS and the Orion spacecraft reach a speed of about 4,000 mph in just over two minutes before the boosters separated.
Quite a few payloads caught a ride aboard the Orion spacecraft on the Artemis I mission: In addition to a number of small scientific satellites called CubeSats, a manikin named Commander Moonikin Campos sat in the commander’s seat. A Snoopy doll served as a zero-gravity indicator — something that floats inside the spacecraft to demonstrate microgravity.
During the mission, Orion performed two lunar flybys, coming within 80 miles of the lunar surface. At its farthest distance during the mission, Orion traveled nearly 270,000 miles from our home planet, more than 1,000 times farther than where the International Space Station orbits Earth. This surpassed the record for distance traveled by a spacecraft designed to carry humans, previously set during Apollo 13.
The Orion spacecraft arrived back home to planet Earth on Dec. 11, 2022. During re-entry, Orion endured temperatures about half as hot as the surface of the Sun at about 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Within about 20 minutes, Orion slowed from nearly 25,000 mph to about 20 mph for its parachute-assisted splashdown.
Recovery teams successfully retrieved the spacecraft and delivered it back to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center for de-servicing operations, which included removing the payloads (like Snoopy and Commander Moonikin Campos) and analyzing the heat shield.
With the Artemis I mission under our belt, we look ahead to Artemis II — our first crewed mission to the Moon in over 50 years. Four astronauts will fly around the Moon inside Orion, practicing piloting the spacecraft and validating the spacecraft’s life support systems. The Artemis II crew includes: NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, and CSA astronaut Jeremy Hansen.
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As we look ahead to Artemis II, we build upon the incredible success of the Artemis I mission and recognize the hard work and achievements of the entire Artemis team. Go Artemis!
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I am pleased to announce the Bad Science Jokes grant presented by Orion Technical College! We are helping people go back to school locally in Davenport, IA, and AROUND THE U.S., with their online classes.
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🖱️Learn more by clicking here (or go to Orion.edu/BSJgrant ). It will take you to a #BadScienceJokes landing page. Fill out the form and someone from Orion Technical College will contact you soon to answer any questions you may have! All information you submit will only be seen by Orion Technical College staff.
Please share and let your friends know about the new Bad Science Jokes grant from Orion Technical College!
first art post of the new year!!! granted, i don't share my art here that much anyway, but– shhh.
hehehehhhooo,, here's something i've been working on for 'bout a month,, albeit not consecutively– took a few,, very very long breaks in between working on this,, but i managed to finish it in the end! am i satisfied with it? .......ehhhh? not completely, but if this took any longer, it might not have seen the light of day, so like. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯.
anyway,, made a little poster for my favorite fic, tommyinnit's services for villains, vigilantes, and various other vagabonds, by @scorpionoesit!!! it's really really good,,, and i've always wanted to make more art for it,, so i decided– poster! at least,, that's what it's mean to resemble,,, dkdmkdmdkd.
i will freely admit,, i'm... not the biggest fan of the fan-made logo i tried to design for it,, feels a bit boring, and could definitely have used a bit more pizazz, something to make feel more like the fic itself(what does that mean? you figure that out),,,, but– again, steam was running low,, dkdnksjs. graphic design is my passion. i do also have other complaints, but i'm afraid i already punched my one-use self-critique card,, oh well,,, dkdnkxjdkd.
regardless,, even with the flaws only i can really see,, this still turned out pretty okay!! hope you enjoy it, mx. scorpio and mx. alibi!!! and i hope everyone else has a wonderful new year!!!!
Euclid’s view of the Horsehead Nebula by European Space Agency
Via Flickr:
Euclid shows us a spectacularly panoramic and detailed view of the Horsehead Nebula, also known as Barnard 33 and part of the constellation Orion. At approximately 1375 light-years away, the Horsehead – visible as a dark cloud shaped like a horse’s head – is the closest giant star-forming region to Earth. It sits just to the south of star Alnitak, the easternmost of Orion’s famous three-star belt, and is part of the vast Orion molecular cloud. Many other telescopes have taken images of the Horsehead Nebula, but none of them are able to create such a sharp and wide view as Euclid can with just one observation. Euclid captured this image of the Horsehead in about one hour, which showcases the mission's ability to very quickly image an unprecedented area of the sky in high detail. In Euclid’s new observation of this stellar nursery, scientists hope to find many dim and previously unseen Jupiter-mass planets in their celestial infancy, as well as young brown dwarfs and baby stars. “We are particularly interested in this region, because star formation is taking place in very special conditions,” explains Eduardo Martin Guerrero de Escalante of the Instituto de Astrofisica de Canarias in Tenerife and a legacy scientist for Euclid. These special conditions are caused by radiation coming from the very bright star Sigma Orionis, which is located above the Horsehead, just outside Euclid’s field-of-view (the star is so bright that the telescope would see nothing else if it pointed directly towards it). Ultraviolet radiation from Sigma Orionis causes the clouds behind the Horsehead to glow, while the thick clouds of the Horsehead itself block light from directly behind it; this makes the head look dark. The nebula itself is made up largely of cold molecular hydrogen, which gives off very little heat and no light. Astronomers study the differences in the conditions for star formation between the dark and bright clouds. The star Sigma Orionis itself belongs to a group of more than a hundred stars, called an open cluster. However, astronomers don’t have the full picture of all the stars belonging to the cluster. “Gaia has revealed many new members, but we already see new candidate stars, brown dwarfs and planetary-mass objects in this Euclid image, so we hope that Euclid will give us a more complete picture,” adds Eduardo. The data in this image were taken in about one hour of observation. This colour image was obtained by combining VIS data and NISP photometry in Y and H bands; its size is 8800 x 8800 pixels. VIS and NISP enable observing astronomical sources in four different wavelength ranges. Aesthetics choices led to the selection of three out of these four bands to be cast onto the traditional Red-Green-Blue colour channels used to represent images on our digital screens (RGB). The blue, green, red channels capture the Universe seen by Euclid around the wavelength 0.7, 1.1, and 1.7 micron respectively. This gives Euclid a distinctive colour palette: hot stars have a white-blue hue, excited hydrogen gas appears in the blue channel, and regions rich in dust and molecular gas have a clear red hue. Distant redshifted background galaxies appear very red. In the image, the stars have six prominent spikes due to how light interacts with the optical system of the telescope in the process of diffraction. Another signature of Euclid special optics is the presence of a few, very faint and small round regions of a fuzzy blue colour. These are normal artefacts of complex optical systems, so-called ‘optical ghost’; easily identifiable during data analysis, they do not cause any problem for the science goals. The cutout from the full view of the Horsehead Nebula is at the high resolution of the VIS instrument. This is nine times better than the definition of NISP that was selected for the full view; this was done for the practical reason of limiting the format of the full image to a manageable size for downloading. The cutout fully showcases the power of Euclid in obtaining extremely sharp images over a large region of the sky in one single pointing. Although this image represents only a small part of the entire colour view, the same quality as shown here is available over the full field. The full view of the Horsehead Nebula at the highest definition can be explored on ESASky. [Image description] This square astronomical image is divided horizontally by a waving line between a white-orange cloudscape forming a nebula along the bottom portion and a comparatively blue-purple-pink upper portion. From the nebula in the bottom half of the image, an orange cloud shaped like a horsehead sticks out. In the bottom left of the image, a white round glow is visible. The clouds from the bottom half of the image shine purple/blue light into the upper half. The top of the image shows the black expanse of space. Speckled across both portions is a starfield, showing stars of varying sizes and colours. Blue stars are younger and red stars are older. Credits: ESA/Euclid/Euclid Consortium/NASA, image processing by J.-C. Cuillandre (CEA Paris-Saclay), G. Anselmi; CC BY-SA 3.0 IGO
do NOT think too hard about the fact that since Oliver and Celia are married and Orion and Rosalind are married and therefore their all each other's inlaws in a very weird situation PLS I BEG U DONT!
was able to perfectly portray the emotions regarding remembering and being sad about Julius and did so to try and ease the suffering of someone to whom he didn't really 'know' at the time
has canonically worked at a bake sale with his mother
undoubtedly knows the intricacies of each business his family owns and runs down to the specific requirements of the housekeeping staff at the hotel chain be bought out
I propose the idea that he would have a truly spectacular Customer Service Persona, which he detests with every fiber of his being but continues to use as needed because it makes everyone think he is a Nice Young Lad™ and keeps him in as many good graces as possible
Tech thinking he is really logical, infact just an idiot in love. I was thinking if that is typical for him, and in the end with all considered. We all act like total fools when in love.
Masterlist
Chapter 41: Logically subtle
Tech diligently monitored the supplies and ensured everything was organized for the temple's reconstruction. He double-checked his work, meticulous as always, and confirmed that the essential items were readily available for the Jedi and their mission. Before heading back in the Havoc Marauder for a moment.
Afterwards, he took a moment to make himself look more presentable again, adjusting his hair to its usual impeccable state. As he glanced over at Orion, now dressed in warmer clothes, he couldn't resist a soft smile. Tech was keenly aware of the importance of keeping Orion close, and he placed the infant carefully in his carrier, securing him snugly. With the carrier comfortably settled against his chest, Tech moved over to a quiet corner of their makeshift kitchenette and prepared a few formula bottles. His fatherly instincts were as sharp as his technical skills, and he wanted to ensure that Orion would have everything he needed when he woke up. Tech might be a clone, but his dedication to the wellbeing of his son was unwavering.
Tech meticulously inspected the supplies, even though he knew the chances of theft were slim. Hunter's orders were clear, and Tech was committed to following them. He moved through the rows of materials, his attention divided between the calculations in his datapad and ensuring the supplies were secure. And Tech is aware why Hunter told him to do it, without the time to switch his rhythm. Hunter wanted to keep him and Amanda apart, logically it made sense. But that does not mean Tech likes it.
Orion remained peacefully asleep in his carrier, snuggled comfortably against Tech's chest. Tech had removed the upper part of his armour to make it more comfortable for the infant, a small but meaningful adjustment that demonstrated his devotion as a father. As he crunched the numbers on his datapad, Tech considered various factors that could affect the duration of the temple's reconstruction. He factored in the available resources, the number of workers, and the extent of the damage. His analytical mind was always at work, seeking to optimize the efficiency of their mission and provide the best possible outcome. Tech couldn't help but explore every avenue, even as he meticulously checked the machinery used for the temple's reconstruction. His analytical mind constantly sought to optimize processes and find ways to improve efficiency, but today, his motivations were tinged with a more personal desire.
As he examined the equipment, he pondered the possibility of extending their efforts to spend more time with Amanda. The thought of having a few more precious days with her and Orion filled him with longing. He knew it was a selfish wish, considering their duty, but he couldn't help himself. Tech's commitment to his squad was unwavering, but his heart was divided between his responsibilities and his love for Amanda and Orion. As he continued to tinker with the machinery, he couldn't shake the hope that he might find a way to grant himself just a bit more time with them. And it was simple to tweak the machines, making them a bit slower in general. He can always argue, in his logical way, about to delate the wear and tear.
When the sun breaks through, Tech finally passes his brothers, to get some rest himself. Tech carefully cradled Orion in his arms, waking him gently. The infant stirred and yawned, his bright blue eyes blinking sleepily. Tech knew it was time for him to eat, and he was always diligent about ensuring Orion's needs were met. As he settled down in his bunk, Tech prepared the breastfeeding pillow, creating a cosy spot for Orion to nurse. He removed some of the layers of warm clothing he had dressed Orion in, making sure his son was comfortable during the feeding. Tech cherished these quiet moments with Orion, where it was just the two of them. Orion latched onto the bottle, and Tech watched him with affectionate pride. His mind may have been filled with calculations and strategies, but in these moments, all that mattered was the bond between a father and his son. As Orion ate, Tech couldn't help but smile at the tiny, wiggling fingers that occasionally reached out to touch his face. It was a simple, beautiful connection that he cherished above all else.
Tech expertly guided Orion through the post-feeding routine. After burping him gently, ensuring that Orion was comfortable. Then, he gently scooped his son up and placed him on the changing surface. Tech efficiently changed Orion's diaper, making sure everything was clean and dry. He was meticulous in his care for his son, always ensuring that Orion was comfortable and content. Despite the challenges and uncertainties of their lives, these moments of fatherhood were the ones that brought him the most joy and purpose. Orion's tiny hand grasped at his finger, and Tech couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of love and protectiveness.
As Tech settled back into his bunk with Orion, he couldn't help but dwell on the delicate balance they were trying to maintain. He knew that Amanda should have the opportunity to experience these tender moments with Orion, just as he did. However, the ever present threat of the Kaminoans' suspicions weighed heavily on his mind. Tech was well aware that the Kaminoans were already suspicious, especially given Amanda's close presence. They seemed to be narrowing in on her as a potential mother. The risk was simply too great. They couldn't afford to expose Amanda or Orion to any more danger.
He looked down at Orion, who was now starting to drift back to sleep, his tiny fingers curled around Tech's. Orion succumbing to a full belly nap. Tech couldn't deny that he yearned for Amanda to share these moments with Orion, but he also knew that keeping them safe was their top priority. For now, he would continue to be the one who cared for and protected their son, even if it meant sacrificing moments that should rightfully belong to both of Orion's parents. Tech carefully hung his datapad on a fixture within arm's reach, ensuring it was secure. He had mixed feelings about using a screen to occupy Orion, but given the circumstances, it was a necessary choice. As he activated a technical show, he chuckled at the irony of it all. He, who was often so absorbed in his datapad, was now using it to keep Orion entertained.
With Orion starting to drift back to sleep, Tech couldn't help but think about the night before. Orion had slept peacefully through his watch duty, which was a relief. Now, as he settled Orion down for another nap, Tech began to pre plan for any possible disruptions during his rest. He knew that if Orion woke up, he needed to be ready to tend to his son's needs. Especially as Orion did sleep through the night.
Tech took a moment to glance at the show on the screen, making sure it was engaging enough to keep Orion occupied. Then, he lay down on his bunk, his senses attuned to any sound or movement from his son. Balancing parenthood with their precarious situation was no easy task, but Tech was determined to protect Orion and keep him as safe as possible. As Tech drifted into sleep, he found himself in a comfortable position on his side, one hand resting gently on Orion's little stomach. It was a soothing gesture, a way for him to stay connected to his son even in slumber. The rise and fall of Orion's breaths beneath his touch provided a sense of reassurance that everything was as it should be.
In this tender moment, Tech's mind began to relax, allowing the weariness of their situation to temporarily fade away. His breathing synchronized with Orion's, and for a while, they shared a peaceful sleep, father and son together in their quiet corner of the bunk area. Despite the challenges and uncertainties they faced, moments like these served as a reminder of the bond between them, a bond that Tech cherished more than anything else in the galaxy.
Chapter 42
Reblogs are very welcome and I am open for feedback, as english is not my first language, so maybe my sentences may be weird sometimes, or I write a word wrong even with google, or I use a wrong word for an item.
Meet the Four Artemis Astronauts Who Will Fly Around the Moon
Today, we revealed the four astronauts who will fly around the Moon during the Artemis II mission, scheduled to launch in 2024. Get to know them:
Christina Koch
Meet the first member of our Artemis II crew: mission specialist Christina Koch. Koch visited the International Space Station in 2019, where she participated in the first all-woman spacewalk with Jessica Meir. She began her NASA career as an electrical engineer at Goddard Space Flight Center.
Jeremy Hansen
Representing the Canadian Space Agency is Jeremy Hansen from London, Ontario. Col. Hansen was a fighter pilot with Canadian Armed Forces before joining the Canadian Space Agency, and currently works with NASA on astronaut training and mission operations. This will be Col. Hansen’s first mission in space.
Victor Glover
Victor Glover is our Artemis II pilot. Glover is part of our 2013 class of NASA astronauts and was the pilot for NASA’s SpaceX Crew-1 mission. He’s logged 3,000 flight hours in more than 40 different aircraft.
Reid Wiseman
...and rounding out our Artemis II crew: mission commander Reid Wiseman. Wiseman lived and worked aboard the International Space Station as a flight engineer in 2014. He also commanded the undersea research mission NEEMO21, and most recently served as Chief of the NASA astronauts.
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“I understand your concern, Commander, but consider this - with your experienced eye, does she look like a soldier? Or an assassin?”
Shepard gnawed on her already chapped lip, tugging at the loose skin. “No, sir,” she answered at last. “Too soft, doesn’t have the build of someone familiar with combat. Skin relatively unscarred, hands free of calluses indicative of little experience with firearms-”
“Exactly.” Anderson cut her off.
I can’t believe how gorgeous this art of Amy Davis turned out! @sovhina worked wonders - I adore all the little details. Thank you so much! ♥