NASA Set to Launch Artemis II Mission with Four Astronauts
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 2 hours ago
0mins
Source: seekingalpha
- Mission Readiness: NASA has confirmed that the Artemis II mission will launch as early as Wednesday evening, sending four astronauts on a roughly 10-day journey around the moon, representing the agency's most significant human spaceflight effort in decades and aiming to return to the lunar surface ahead of China's planned crewed landing.
- Launch Window Set: The launch window opens at 6:24 p.m. EDT from Kennedy Space Center, with the Space Launch System rocket carrying the Orion crew capsule, located near the historic Apollo launch pad, and conditions appear favorable with a modest risk of weather disruption.
- Record-Setting Journey: Artemis II will carry astronauts approximately 252,000 miles (405,554.69 kilometers) into space, surpassing the distance reached by Apollo 13, which aborted its lunar landing due to an onboard explosion, marking the first time humans will travel beyond Earth orbit since 1972.
- Future Landing Tests: Unlike its uncrewed predecessor, Artemis II will rigorously test the Orion and Space Launch System with astronauts onboard, evaluating life-support capabilities, communications systems, and onboard controls, with manual operation scheduled several hours into the flight to assess handling in space.
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Analyst Views on LMT
Wall Street analysts forecast LMT stock price to fall
12 Analyst Rating
4 Buy
7 Hold
1 Sell
Hold
Current: 604.390
Low
430.00
Averages
535.50
High
605.00
Current: 604.390
Low
430.00
Averages
535.50
High
605.00
About LMT
Lockheed Martin Corporation is a global aerospace and defense company. The Company is engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. Its segments include Aeronautics, Missiles and Fire Control (MFC), Rotary and Mission Systems (RMS) and Space. Aeronautics segment is engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration, sustainment, support and upgrade of advanced military aircraft. MFC segment provides air and missile defense systems, manned and unmanned ground vehicles, energy management solutions, and others. RMS segment designs, manufactures, services and supports various military and commercial helicopters, surface ships, sea and land-based missile defense systems, and others. Its Space segment is engaged in the research and design, development, engineering and production of satellites, space transportation systems, and strategic, advanced strike, and defensive systems.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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- Live Webcast Availability: The conference call will be webcast live on Lockheed Martin's website, with accompanying presentation slides and financial charts also available on the same site, enhancing information accessibility and transparency for stakeholders.
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- Timing of Earnings Release: The Q1 earnings results will be published before the market opens, ensuring investors have access to the latest financial data prior to the call, which reflects the company's sensitivity to market dynamics and investor needs.
- Live Webcast Availability: The conference call will be webcast live on Lockheed Martin's website, with accompanying presentation slides and financial charts also available on the same site, enhancing information accessibility and transparency for stakeholders.
- Replay and Podcast: An on-demand replay of the webcast will be available until May 7, 2026, along with a podcast version, further broadening the channels through which investors can access information, highlighting the company's emphasis on diverse communication methods.
See More
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- Supply Chain Optimization: This agreement signifies a shift in procurement strategy towards direct collaboration with lower-tier suppliers, aimed at providing more predictable demand signals that encourage investment in manufacturing capacity, tooling, and workforce development, thereby enhancing supply chain resilience.
- Addressing New Threats: The proliferation of low-cost drones is reshaping modern warfare economics, prompting defense planners to reassess the need for scaling production and developing lower-cost interceptors to counter challenges posed by conflicts in Ukraine and Iran.
- Strategic Implications: This initiative not only aims to replenish stockpiles but also seeks to enhance the air and missile defense capabilities of the U.S. and its allies, ensuring a competitive edge in a complex geopolitical landscape.
See More
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- Launch Window Set: The launch window opens at 6:24 p.m. EDT from Kennedy Space Center, with the Space Launch System rocket carrying the Orion crew capsule, located near the historic Apollo launch pad, and conditions appear favorable with a modest risk of weather disruption.
- Record-Setting Journey: Artemis II will carry astronauts approximately 252,000 miles (405,554.69 kilometers) into space, surpassing the distance reached by Apollo 13, which aborted its lunar landing due to an onboard explosion, marking the first time humans will travel beyond Earth orbit since 1972.
- Future Landing Tests: Unlike its uncrewed predecessor, Artemis II will rigorously test the Orion and Space Launch System with astronauts onboard, evaluating life-support capabilities, communications systems, and onboard controls, with manual operation scheduled several hours into the flight to assess handling in space.
See More
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- Spacecraft Readiness: The mission will utilize the Orion spacecraft, developed in partnership with Lockheed Martin, which is currently the only spacecraft capable of crewed deep space flight and high-speed return from lunar proximity.
- Clear Mission Objectives: The primary goal of Artemis II is to test Orion's life-support systems, laying the groundwork for future crewed lunar missions, with NASA stating that the scientific operations will establish a foundation for safe and efficient human exploration of both the Moon and Mars.
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See More
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- International Negotiation Preparations: Pakistan is set to host U.S.-Iran talks in the coming days, as Trump expresses intent to make a deal, potentially opening new avenues for regional peace while reflecting America's emphasis on diplomatic solutions.
- Military Action Adjustments: Trump's decision to postpone strikes against Iranian energy infrastructure demonstrates a cautious approach to the situation, which may affect U.S. strategic positioning in the Middle East and the confidence of its allies.
See More
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- Support for Navy Projects: This contract modification will support the U.S. Navy's production of Conventional Prompt Strike missiles and launch platforms, with completion expected by September 30, 2032, further solidifying Lockheed Martin's leadership in military technology.
- Clear Funding Allocation: The contract is funded with $72.10 million for FY25 and $420.66 million for FY26, with $2 million set to expire at the end of the current fiscal year, demonstrating the company's financial planning capabilities for future projects.
- Strategic Systems Programs: The contract is managed by Strategic Systems Programs, indicating Lockheed Martin's critical role in collaboration with the U.S. military, which is expected to drive future revenue growth and enhance market share.
See More
