Jena/Florida, 02.04.2026. The Artemis II mission successfully launched into space from Florida last night. On board the spacecraft is vital navigation technology from Jena, paving the way to the Moon.
- Event: Launch of the Artemis II space mission
- Launch site: Florida, USA
- Technology from Jena: Star sensors for navigation
- Goal: Preparation and execution of the lunar mission
Precision for deep space
The Artemis II mission marks a decisive milestone in international space travel. The spacecraft, which has now set course for the Moon, navigates with the support of high-tech from Thüringen. The star sensors manufactured in Jena are essential for precise orientation in space. They continuously capture star constellations in the dark sky and use them to calculate the spacecraft’s exact attitude and position. This data is indispensable for ensuring the complex journey to the Moon.
Background: Jena’s tradition in aerospace
Participation in the current lunar mission underscores Jena’s international importance as a center for optics and photonics. The so-called “Lichtstadt” looks back on a history rich in tradition, founded in the 19th century by pioneers such as Carl Zeiss, Ernst Abbe and Otto Schott. For decades, high-precision optical and optoelectronic technology from Jena has been an integral part of international space missions. Whether high-resolution cameras for Earth observation, laser communication or navigation sensors for interplanetary probes – Thüringen’s expertise is reliably in use in the depths of space.
Source:
Artemis II with technology from Thüringen on the way to the Moon | MDR.DE
Transparency note: This article was automatically created, editorially reviewed and expanded with AI support.