Orion Camera Views of Artemis II Apogee Raise Burn

A view from cameras on the exterior of the Orion spacecraft before, during, and after the apogee raise burn performed one hour and 46 minutes after launch on April 1, 2026. This 18-minute engine firing was performed by the upper stage of the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket before it was jettisoned, to help push Orion into a high Earth orbit. Over the course of the video, the Earth is seen rotating below, before Orion maneuvers into the correct attitude, or orientation, for the engine firing. During the burn, whisps of heat can be seen as the upper stage – or interim cryogenic propulsion stage – fires. Orion then maneuvers back into its original orientation, and the Earth can once again be seen below.