After his ‘giant leap for lambkind’ on Baaartemis I, journeying around the Moon and back, Shaun the Sheep returned safely to Earth. Flying inside NASA’s Orion spacecraft, powered by ESA’s Ewe-ropean Service Module ESM-1, Shaun travelled farther than any sheep had gone before, helping to pave the way for the Artemis generation that would follow.
As Artemis II was the first mission to bring humans back around the Moon in over 50 years, Shaun headed to the United States to cheer on his not-so-woolly fellow astronauts as they launched on this historic voyage.
Crossing the Atlantic
Shaun’s journey began in Europe, where he was spotted travelling by train on his way to catch a flight across the Atlantic. Like any seasoned explorer, he documented the start of his trip. His journey echoed that of the second European Service Module, which made a similar transatlantic voyage a few years earlier, before being integrated with the rest of the Orion spacecraft for Artemis II.
Shaun the Sheep on the way to the airport for his transatlantic flight.
Credit: ESA-C. Bouju
Arrival at Kennedy Space Center
After a long journey all the way from Mossy Bottom to Florida, United States, Shaun hoofed it straight to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. From the press site, close to the famous countdown clock, he joined international teams, media and spectators following the final preparations. As launch day approached, Shaun soaked up the atmosphere, sharing in the growing excitement surrounding humankind’s return to deep space.
Shaun the Sheep on the lawn next to the famous countdown clock at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.
Credit: ESA-M. Deschamps
An iconic building
While at the Kennedy Space Center, Shaun stopped to admire the iconic Vehicle Assembly Building. This historic structure once housed the Saturn V rockets that carried astronauts to the Moon during the Apollo era. Today, it is where the Space Launch System rockets for Artemis missions are assembled. Standing beside the tallest one-story building in the world, Shaun reflected on how decades of exploration history come together at this landmark, and how Europe is now a part of this journey.
Shaun the Sheep in front of the iconic Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.
Credit: ESA-M. Deschamps
The powerhouse engine
Shaun also visited NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex to take a closer look at a key piece of the Artemis II rocket. On display at the centre is the Space Shuttle Atlantis – one of its engines has been given new life as the second European Service Module’s main engine, that fired for 350 seconds during the Artemis II mission to propel Orion and its crew into lunar orbit.
Shaun the Sheep at the NASA Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex visiting the Space Shuttle Atlantis.
Credit: ESA-M. Deschamps
Shaun the Sheep in front of Space Shuttle Atlantis.
Credit: ESA-M. Deschamps
Shaun the Sheep by the engines of Atlantis – the cone-shaped engine just next to his snout is the OMS, or Orbital Manoeuvering System engine, that is now the main engine of ESM-2.
Credit: ESA-M. Deschamps
Up close with the rocket
Shaun also took the time to get a bit closer to the rocket that would launch his friends into space. The Artemis II rocket was at its pad at Launch Complex 39B – the Space Launch System, with Orion and its European Service Module on top was a familiar and beautiful sight.
Shaun the Sheep admiring the Artemis II rocket close to the launchpad.
Credit: ESA-M. Deschamps
Wishing the crew well
Before liftoff, Shaun attended the Artemis II crew walkout, joining the crowd in cheering on the astronauts as they made their way to the launchpad. Having already completed the journey around the Moon, Shaun was uniquely placed to appreciate what lay ahead. If he could have shared a few words of advice, they would surely have been full of encouragement for the rem-aaar-kable adventure to come.
Shaun the Sheep waves goodbye to the Artemis II crew as they head to the launchpad.
Credit: ESA-M. Deschamps
Countdown…
As launch day arrived, Shaun admired the beautiful sight of the rocket on its launchpad alongside ESA’s European Service Module programme and coordination managers Jan-Henrik and Philippe. Together with ‘Team Europe’, he followed every milestone in the lead up to launch, knowing that the European Service Module would play a crucial role in powering Orion’s journey through space, just as it did for his mission.
Shaun the Sheep admiring the Artemis II rocket with ESM managers.
Credit: ESA-M. Deschamps
Liftoff!
As the countdown reached zero and Artemis II lifted off, Shaun watched the spectacle in awe as Orion began its journey. The powerful rocket rose into the sky, marking the start of the mission that carried humans back towards the Moon for the first time in over half a century. From the ground, Shaun followed every moment.
Shaun the Sheep behind the camera, waiting with excitement for the imminent launch of the Artemis II mission.
Credit: ESA-C. Bouju
Shaun the Sheep admires the Artemis II launch lifting off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, waving goodbye to his fellow astronauts.
Credit: ESA-C. Bouju
Shaun the Sheep admires the Artemis II launch lifting off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, waving goodbye to his fellow astronauts.
Credit: ESA-C. Bouju
From pioneering passenger to proud supporter, Shaun is ready to cheer on future missions and the European astronauts who will join humankind’s next journeys to the Moon and beyond.