Houston’s Johnson Space Center still plays key role in space exploration 5 decades later

HOUSTON, Texas — The astronauts may get the glory, but Mission Control at the Johnson Space Center in Houston plays a crucial role in Artemis II’s success.

NASA maintains postivie outlook with Artemis II mission

As of Friday afternoon, NASA said there are no major issues with the Artemis II mission. It’s going so well that NASA said a scheduled burn that would keep the Orion spacecraft on course for the moon may not be necessary.

The crew slept until about noon before Mission Control played “In a Daydream” by the Freddy Jones Band to wake them up.

SEE HERE: Artemis II’s moonbound astronauts capture Earth’s brilliant blue beauty as they leave it behind

NASA said the crew would complete a variety of demonstrations, including CPR. They also plan to test several medical devices, including a thermometer and a blood pressure monitor.

Mission Control in Houston plays a crucial role

A tour was granted to Mission Space to see where all the action happens, and the news crew noticed it was fully staffed at the time. That is because crews on the ground will always be on hand to help.

Since the start of moon missions, Houston has played a crucial role in their success. Mission Control not only ensures the astronauts stay safe in deep space but also ensures the mission continues to run correctly.

While the technology in the room has changed, NASA flight director Paul Konyha said much remains the same.

“The fundamentals about how we go about evaluating risk, making decisions, making sure we accomplish the mission, take care of the crew, that hasn’t changed,” Konyha explained.

Mission Control made another addition to the area: a science console.

“As the crew members go around the moon, there’s a science console, also supported by a team of experts in the science evaluation room, that you don’t see here, and a space mission operations room,” NASA spokesperson Kylie Clem said.

SEE ALSO: ‘You look amazing’: Artemis II crew talks to ABC News on the way to the moon

Here’s what’s happening Easter weekend in deep space

NASA said the Artemis II crew won’t reach the moon until Monday. However, they’re still working over the weekend.

The astronauts’ schedule shows they plan to focus on taking images from the spacecraft on Saturday. On Sunday, they’ll resume testing.

NASA said the astronauts will test their spacesuits. The orange spacesuits NASA said could be used in an emergency, providing the crew with breathable atmosphere for 6 days if the spacecraft depressurizes.