TECH CHECK

From the astronauts’ suits to a Moon-orbiting station, how will the latest technology assist the Moon missions?

Launch

The launch rocket is responsible for the all-important task of firing the capsule and crew into space. The Space Launch System (SLS) is NASA’s new rocket designed for human space travel beyond Earth orbit. Having to travel almost 1,000 times farther than those headed for the ISS, it’s designed to reach speeds of 40,000 kilometres (25,000 miles) per hour. Approximately eight minutes after launch, the core stage falls away and the astronauts continue with their journey to the Moon.