Moon Astronauts Enter Quarantine for Launch

"The agency's Artemis 2 mission will see a crew of four astronauts travel far beyond the dark side of the Earth's natural satellite, reaching the farthest point that humans have ever traveled from Earth. They will get unfettered views of the Moon's surface during the flyby, getting within just 4,600 miles of its far side, before making their four-day return to Earth."

"On Friday, the four astronauts officially entered quarantine in preparation for the mission, a conventional precaution ahead of any prolonged trips into space, to "ensure that they don't pick up any illness that could delay their mission by limiting their exposure to others in the days before they lift off," as NASA explained. "This period, called the health stabilization program, typically starts about 14 days before launch," the agency wrote."

"NASA will conduct its wet dress rehearsal (WDR) in advance of a launch as early as January 31. The rehearsal is designed to run through the entire launch - while the astronauts are still in quarantine - to ensure that all systems are go. If all goes according to plan, the agency's Space Launch System rocket could launch as early as February 6, though an official date has yet to be announced."

Artemis 2 will carry four astronauts on a lunar flyby that reaches the farthest point humans have traveled from Earth, passing within 4,600 miles of the Moon's far side and returning after four days. The crew entered a health stabilization quarantine beginning Friday to prevent illnesses that could delay the mission; the program typically starts about 14 days before launch. Astronauts may contact friends and family while observing quarantine guidelines: avoid public places, wear masks, and maintain distance. NASA will conduct a wet dress rehearsal as early as January 31. The Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft have been rolled to Launch Complex 39B, with a possible launch as early as February 6.

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