[Reading Science] The "Moon Goddess" Views Earth: "A Blue Jewel in the Black Universe"

NASA Releases Selfie Taken by Artemis 1
Capturing the Mysteriously Shining Blue Earth and the Inside and Outside of the Spacecraft

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-su] The journey of Artemis 1, the "Goddess of the Moon" launched as the first step in humanity's first lunar landing mission in over 50 years, is progressing smoothly.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) announced on the 17th that the Orion spacecraft successfully separated from Artemis 1, which was launched at 1:47 a.m. Eastern Time on the 16th, and is heading toward lunar orbit.

NASA also released a photo taken about nine hours after launch showing the spacecraft and Earth together. The photo was taken approximately 92,000 km from Earth, about one-fifth of the distance between the Moon and Earth, while traveling at a speed of 8,800 km/h. In the photo, the Orion spacecraft's body shines brightly reflecting sunlight, and the "jewel" Earth glows blue in the blackness of space, with about half of it obscured.

NASA spokesperson Sandra Jones said, "This is the first time in over 50 years since the Apollo missions that a human-rated spacecraft has taken a photo of Earth," adding, "The image of our blue jewel shining in the blackness of space will capture the imagination of the new generation, the 'Artemis Generation.'"

NASA also released interior photos of the Orion spacecraft, which is designed for manned missions. Seated on the left is a mannequin named 'Munikin Campos,' playing the role of commander. It is dressed in the orange spacesuit that astronauts will wear on the next manned flight. The monitor on the right is equipped with Amazon's artificial intelligence (AI) assistant Alexa, a device being tested to provide voice-assisted mission support and various information to astronauts.

The Orion spacecraft is scheduled to stay in lunar orbit and return after a total journey of 25.5 days. It will continue flying toward the Moon for the next five days and will approach closest to the Moon on the 21st. After spending several days settling into lunar orbit, it is expected to return to Earth on December 11.