03 | Artemis Explained: No turning back

This episode of Science Friction dives into the second day of the Artemis II mission, following the historic translunar injection burn that sent the crew on a trajectory toward the Moon—the first human journey beyond Earth orbit since 1972. Hosts Jacinta Bowler and Belinda Smith break down the technical marvel of the burn, explaining how it permanently commits the spacecraft to its lunar path without further engine use. They highlight the astronauts' experiences in microgravity, including the surprisingly smooth ride, the challenges of using exercise equipment that shakes the capsule, and minor issues like temperature control and GoPro malfunctions. The hosts also address listener questions about the mission’s construction timeline and global supply chain, revealing that Artemis II took over 500 weeks to build using reused parts and international collaboration. The episode concludes with a lighthearted but insightful look at daily life in space, from managing waste to the emotional impact of seeing Earth from space, underscoring both the technological triumph and human resilience at the heart of deep space exploration.