How to sound like an astronaut as you follow the first human moon mission in decades | CNN

There is nothing more thrilling than seeing a spacecraft launch — especially on a journey to the moon. More than half a century after the last lunar mission during NASA’s Apollo program, humans are finally aiming to travel back to the vicinity of the moon on a mission called Artemis II. During the 10-day journey, four astronauts will venture farther into deep space than any human has before. It’s a historic event that you won’t want to miss. But following every moment might be a little confusing if you’re not familiar with the terminology surrounding this mission. Launch directors often use jargon and shorthand that can sound like an unfamiliar language. Here are some of the terms you might hear, as well as key milestones to listen for. NASA is aiming to launch Artemis II in April. If the launch is a go, that means things are on track to take off. If it’s a no go, the launch may be postponed. As mission teams progress through the countdown, expect to hear SLS, which stands for Space Launch System, to indicate the rocket. If the word nominal is used, it means that things are normal or going as planned. Behind-the-scenes secrets of NASA mission control When the rocket is