Yes, it's on April Fools' Day—NASA is launching Artemis 2 to the Moon.
American netizens: I hope this becomes a historic lunar launch rather than turning into a joke. My money is on the line.
As reported by Space News on March 31 (Beijing time, April 1).
Jeff Spurting, NASA's test director, doesn't want to hear any jokes on April Fools' Day.
He doesn’t want pranks—he just wants to send people to the Moon.
This is no joke. NASA is counting down for a mission that will send four astronauts on a lunar flyby.
Artemis 2, a 10-day journey around the Moon, is scheduled to launch on April 1 (Beijing time, April 2)—April Fools' Day.
But NASA is taking it seriously.
"So I'm not aware of any pranks or attempts to fool the flight crew or the launch team itself, so I'll stop here," Spurting said at the launch pad to reporters.
The countdown has begun.
"We're going back!" wrote NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman on social media.
No jokes—only vigilance—as NASA prepares for its April Fools' Day launch of the Artemis 2 mission.
"I often look up at the Moon and reflect on this mission and the ones that will follow. I'm incredibly excited about returning to the Moon," said Spurting. "One reason I’m still here is to keep sending humans into space and re-establishing our launch rhythm, so we can continue exploring, build a lunar base, and then push forward toward Mars."
If you're looking for ways to express your excitement, our Artemis 2 gear guide might have exactly what you need.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1861215879611404/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.