NASA’s Artemis II crew is preparing for a historic mission: a journey around the moon and back. As part of a unique partnership with National Geographic, the crew recently offered a tour of a full-scale replica of the Orion spacecraft they will inhabit during the 10-day flight.

A Familiarization Tour

Astronaut Loral O’Hara is seen crouching within the replica of Orion, the spacecraft designed for the Artemis II mission. The interior is notably compact, with limited space for the four crew members. Sleeping arrangements will likely involve utilizing space near the walls or equipment.

Limited Space, High Spirits

“I basically called shotgun,” Koch says, referring to the most comfortable sleeping spot – a central area leading to a docking tunnel. “My argument… is that I’m the only one short enough to actually fit in there.” The crew, comprised of Koch, Glover, Commander Reid Wiseman, and mission specialist Jeremy Hansen of the Canadian Space Agency, has developed a strong camaraderie over two years of training.

Life Aboard Orion

The Artemis II astronauts are documenting their journey for National Geographic, acting as photographers, videographers, and filmmakers. They are meticulously training as they would fly, even avoiding a designated “zone of death” marked with caution tape on the floor of the replica.

Essential Amenities

Adjacent to the capsule entrance is the galley, housing the crew’s water dispenser, carefully selected food, and a fire extinguisher. Wiseman points out the medical supplies, jokingly referring to it as “the way most people have their kitchen at home.”

Sleep and Exercise in Low Gravity

Determining sleeping arrangements is an ongoing consideration, as the capsule’s feel in low gravity is unpredictable. Koch explains that sleeping in space is surprisingly similar to sleeping on Earth, aside from the constant sensation of weightlessness. To combat muscle atrophy, the capsule is equipped with a collapsible space-rowing machine, though its placement above the toilet requires careful coordination.

Navigating and Sustaining Life

The command panels house the flight and navigation controls, monitoring equipment, and communications hardware. Four windows will provide views of Earth and, ultimately, the moon during the lunar flyby. Backup crew member Gibbons anticipates spectacular views of the stars when Earth or the moon aren’t in sight.

Resource Management

Conserving resources like water and air is crucial. Hansen demonstrates the spacecraft’s air recycling system, explaining how exhaled breath is filtered and reintroduced into the cabin.

Personal Hygiene

The toilet is uniquely designed for use in low gravity, positioned horizontally under the floor. Koch demonstrates its use, emphasizing the need for handholds and the use of hearing protection due to the toilet’s noise level.

The Illusion of Space

While the capsule feels cramped on the ground, the crew anticipates that the three-dimensional volume will feel larger in space. “I feel like that’s a salesman line, though,” Koch jokes, questioning whether the illusion of space will truly materialize.