Two high-precision ASTRO APS star sensors from the Thuringian space company Jena-Optronik GmbH are playing a crucial role in NASA's Artemis II mission: they are guiding the Orion spacecraft safely to the lunar orbit.

Artemis II successfully launched into space on 2 April 2026 at  00:35 CEST. The American space agency NASA selected US-based company Lockheed Martin to develop and build the Orion spacecraft. For the precise alignment and navigation of the spacecraft on its long journey to the Moon and back, Lockheed Martin relies on ASTRO APS star sensors from Jena.

Accuracy and reliability are of particular importance for this mission. The vast distances between Earth and the Moon significantly influence the need for precision. Even minor errors can result in substantial course deviations for the space capsule due to the immense distance between our planet and its satellite. Given the limited fuel supply for steering maneuvers, corrections must be minimized as much as possible.

Reliability is especially crucial in crewed missions. Once in space, the star sensor must consistently provide accurate orientation data without external intervention. This reliability is vital for the mission's success and ensures the safe return of the astronauts on board to Earth.

“All of our star sensors are designed for maximum quality and thoroughly tested for use in space. However, crewed space missions have additional requirements, particularly for software, to ensure the safety of the people on board.

Our project team pays particular attention to these aspects, and we are proud to be involved in such groundbreaking missions", explains Andreas Deter, Project Manager Star Sensors at Jena-Optronik.

How does one actually fly to the Moon?

The star sensor serves as a navigation system for the spacecraft, using the ever-present stars for orientation.

In the first step, it captures images of the stars within the sensor’s field of view. The positions of the stars and their trajectories in the galaxy are known and can be stored in the star sensor as a star catalogue. This catalogue allows the determination of the star constellation at any given time.

In the second step, the star sensor determines the orientation of the satellite or spacecraft - for Orion in this case - by comparing the captured images with the star catalogue. It then relays this information to the attitude and control system, enabling it to precisely follow the pre-calculated flight paths.

This process allows the star sensor to guide the Orion spacecraft safely to the Moon and back to Earth.

Peter Kapell, CEO Jena-Optronik on the mission’s relevance: "It is a great honor to support this milestone in space. We would like to congratulate all the companies, institutes, and space agencies involved in this very special mission.

Space is a team effort. International cooperation is crucial for tackling such complex projects, promoting the exchange of knowledge and technology, and solving global challenges.

Europe's participation in the Artemis program offers the opportunity to help shape the future lunar infrastructure and to participate in other lunar missions. This will enable Europe to strengthen its expertise and technological capabilities in space travel and take a leading role in lunar exploration."