Artemis II could launch as early as 1-April; sending humans back around the moon for the first time since Apollo. During this mission the Orion spacecraft will perform an extra orbit around earth to allow time for systems checkouts as well as a docking maneuverability test. This extra orbit provides a unique chance to capture it with a telescope and camera before it gets too small as it heads to the moon.
I have written a python script that can use trajectory data along with a given location on earth and a telescope / camera setup to calculate times that imaging may be possible. By possible I mean: (1) large enough in the sky, (2) above the local horizon, (3) the spacecraft lit by the sun, and (4) it is night at that location on Earth.
I typically try to avoid getting satellite trails in my photos; but this time I am trying to do it on purpose!
There are plenty of ways this may not work out (weather, errors in calculations, different trajectories, etc.); but capturing an image of this historic mission sounds like a lot of fun and worth the effort to me!
The more people from more places on Earth that attempt this the better our chances of getting photos. This is because the launch periods span multiple days and over two hour long windows, which could result in drastic shifts on where and when it is possible to image (besides pesky weather conditions).
If you are interested in joining me, I have recorded a video with a little more background as well as how to use the script. The script also outputs files that can be imported in to Stellarium to help make planning easier.
Here is a link to the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqiRlgBeyWY
Here is a link to my website where I have posted the script source code: https://www.gano.name/shawn/artemis2/
If there are questions I will try to get to them as best as I can. Though I tend to be quite busy, so it may take me a while to reply.
- Shawn
