The translunar injection burn has been completed successfully. The Artemis II crew is on its way to the moon.
The crew received two caution indicators on their screen but determined it required no action and proceeded with the burn.
A visualization of the Orion spacecraft in space.
NASA
The burn occurred on time at the one day, one hour and 14-minute mark for the mission, according to Mission Control.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman was in Mission Control during the TLI burn.
Apr 02, 2026, 7:54 PM EDT
Translunar injection burn is underway
The translunar injection burn is underway. The Orion spacecraft is now committed to its journey to the moon.
Apr 02, 2026, 7:33 PM EDT
Houston is a 'go' for crucial translunar injection burn
Mission Control in Houston has given the final “go” for the translunar injection burn. The Artemis II crew said they are a “go” for the burn.
Mission Control told the astronauts, “When the engine ignites, you embark on humanity’s lunar homecoming arc and set the course to return Integrity and her crew safely home. Houston is go for TLS.”
Astronaut Christina Koch replied, “Crew is go for TLI. With this burn to the moon, we do not leave Earth, we choose it."
-ABC News' Matthew Glasser
Apr 02, 2026, 5:51 PM EDT
Breaking down Artemis II moon mission terms, jargon and what they mean
Following the path of Artemis II may be confusing as the astronauts, mission control and others use specific jargon and phrases.
Here are explanations of some of the terminology people may hear over the course of the mission:
Translunar injection burn
The translunar injection burn is the final step that sends the crew on the path to the moon, committing the Orion spacecraft to the remainder of its 10-day mission.
Lasting just minutes, it's a single-engine firing that propels the spacecraft out of Earth's orbit and on a "free-return trajectory."
NASA launched a new space toilet, the Universal Waste Management System (UWMS), to the International Space Station on Northrop Grumman’s 14th contract resupply mission in September. Another UWMS unit will be installed in Orion for the Artemis II flight test that will send astronauts on a 10-day mission beyond the Moon and back.
NASA
Universal waste management system
The universal waste management system, otherwise known as a space toilet, is located inside a stall just like in a public restroom on Earth, according to NASA.
Space toilets use air flow to pull urine and feces away and into receptacles, which are stored for disposal. The astronauts have a handlebar to hold themselves down while using the toilet in the absence of gravity.
Read more here about the terms and jargon you may come across during the Artemis II mission.
