The NASA is preparing for the first of three flights of the Artemis missionWhich represents the return of humans to the moon. This week, one of the project’s “crew” was introduced, not a person, but Shaun the Sheep – the plush toy that will accompany Orion’s unmanned capsule, expected to launch on August 29.
Sean is a ram from the European theater series of the same name, whose participation in the mission was announced by the European Space Agency (ESA), which created a service unit for the Artemis I mission. In Brazil, the animation of Carneiro was broadcast by TV Cultura, in São Paulo In addition to being available at flow.
“While it may be a small step for humanity, it is a huge step for sheep,” David Parker, director of robotics and human exploration at the European Space Agency, said in a cheerful statement from the agency. Parker alludes to a quote from American astronaut Neil Armstrong when he set foot on the moon in 1969.
Jokes aside, it’s common for space agencies to use elements of popular culture to try to bring the public closer to these missions. In Shaun’s case, the marigold selection is tied to the 15th anniversary of the television series that is celebrating this year.
Sean Aries on a test ride in 2019 to see how well he works in microgravity
Photo: ESA/Aardman
In addition to Shawn, it is expected that a Snoopy plush Four Lego characters take part in the mission. The idea is that it acts as a zero-gravity indicator on the plane for scientists following the mission from Earth.
The mission of Artemis I
Artemis I Quest will not feature humans. NASA’s Orion capsule will be launched by the SLS rocket, which is considered the most powerful in the world.
The capsule will orbit the moon for a few weeks to test technologies, devices, and systems. Then it will return to Earth, so scientists can ensure that it can land safely in the ocean, and sustain the human crew for the future.
To test the impact, the US space agency will also include a dummy to understand in detail how the mission will return.
Next steps
If all goes well, there will be the Artemis II mission, scheduled for 2024. In it, it should have human crew members who follow the same path as Artemis 1.
Finally, in 2025, it should have the Artemis III mission, which aims to “unify” (the moon landing) the first black man and the first woman on the moon.
*With the report of Marcella Duarte
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