By Rorisang Modiba
- The South African National Space Agency tracked a spacecraft to help four astronauts return to Earth from the Moon safely.
- Eugene Avenant said the South African National Space Agency measures spacecraft signals to make sure the four astronauts return safely.
The South African National Space Agency (Sansa) has helped the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Nasa) with its Artemis II mission.
The Artemis II mission is a 10-day space trip. Four astronauts flew around the Moon. They are now on their way back to Earth. It is one of the furthest human space journeys ever.
Sansa tracked the spacecraft while it was close to Earth. This helps scientists know exactly where the spacecraft is. It makes sure the spacecraft follows the correct path.
Sansa engineer Eugene Avenant said they measure signals from the spacecraft to check its speed and direction.
“This works like the sound change you hear when an ambulance passes by,” he said.
The data they gather is put together with information from other tracking stations around the world. This helps make sure the spacecraft returns safely.
Sansa will likely help with future Artemis space missions. A new ground station is being built in Matjiesfontein. This station will help with deep space communication.
The next missions in the Artemis programme might change. However, Sansa says it is ready to keep helping Nasa with future Moon missions.
Pictured above: The four astronauts.
Image source: @NASA
