Artemis II Crew Names Orion Spacecraft "Integrity" with Meaningful Tribute

Artemis II Crew Reveals Name of Orion Spacecraft: Integrity HOUSTON - In a historic moment for space exploration, the crew of NASA's Artemis II mission revealed the name of their Orion spacecraft as Integrity on Wednesday at the Johnson Space Center in Houston. The name was chosen by the astronauts themselves, who wanted to reflect the mission's significance and impart a sense of character to the craft. "We thought, as a crew, we need to name this spacecraft," said Reid Wiseman, commander of the Artemis II mission. "We need to have a name for the Orion spacecraft that we're going to ride this magical mission on." The naming process was a collaborative effort among the astronauts, who drew inspiration from various sources. "We wanted something that would reflect our mission and also define our success," Wiseman explained. The choice of Integrity as the spacecraft's name is significant, given its connotations of reliability, trustworthiness, and strength. The name also reflects the crew's commitment to pushing the boundaries of space exploration and making history. The Artemis II mission marks a major milestone in NASA's efforts to return humans to the Moon by 2024. The crew will embark on a lunar flyby aboard the Orion spacecraft, which is designed to test the systems and procedures for future missions. "We're bringing together the world," Wiseman said. "We're bringing together a team of astronauts from different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences to achieve something truly remarkable." The naming of the Orion spacecraft has sparked interest among space enthusiasts and the general public alike. The choice of Integrity is seen as a nod to the values of trust, reliability, and teamwork that are essential for successful space exploration. "This mission represents a new era in space travel," said Dr. Maria Zuber, NASA's deputy associate administrator for science. "The Artemis II crew is not only pushing the boundaries of space exploration but also inspiring future generations to pursue careers in STEM fields." As the Artemis II mission prepares for launch, the public can expect to see more updates on the spacecraft and its crew. The Orion spacecraft will undergo rigorous testing and training before embarking on its historic journey to the Moon. Background: The Artemis program is a NASA initiative aimed at returning humans to the Moon by 2024. The mission is designed to test the systems and procedures for future lunar missions, including the development of a sustainable presence on the Moon's surface. Additional Perspectives: Dr. Zuber noted that the naming of the Orion spacecraft reflects the collaborative effort between NASA and its international partners. "The Artemis II crew represents a global team working together towards a common goal," she said. Reid Wiseman emphasized the importance of public engagement in space exploration. "We want to inspire people from all over the world to join us on this journey," he said. Current Status: The Orion spacecraft is currently undergoing testing and training at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. The Artemis II mission is scheduled to launch in 2024, with a lunar flyby expected to take place later that year. Next Developments: NASA plans to provide regular updates on the Artemis II mission as it prepares for launch. The public can expect to see more information on the spacecraft and its crew in the coming months. *Reporting by Arstechnica.*