A visionary 19th‑century work
French author Jules Verne published the novels From the Earth to the Moon and Around the Moon in the 1860s. Though regarded at the time as speculative fiction, they contain details that echo modern lunar missions.
Concept of a free‑return flight
Verne’s story follows three explorers launched in a conical capsule that follows a free‑return trajectory around the Moon before heading back to Earth. This flight profile matches the one planned for NASA’s Artemis 2 mission.
Parallels with Artemis 2
Artemis 2, slated for launch around 2025, will send the Orion spacecraft with a crew of three on a lunar flyby and a subsequent return to Earth. The similarity to Verne’s description is striking, despite the vastly different technological contexts.
Historical significance
Verne’s novels are considered early milestones of science‑fiction that have inspired generations of engineers and scientists. The alignment between his fictional mission and today’s plans highlights how imaginative literature can anticipate future technological achievements.