NASA's Artemis II crew readies for Monday's lunar flyby. Here's what you need to know

NPR
by Brendan Byrne
April 6, 2026
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1 min read

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NASA's Artemis II crew is preparing for a lunar flyby on Monday, going farther into space than any human mission.

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NASA's Artemis II crew is preparing for a lunar flyby scheduled for late Monday. During the mission, the astronauts will loop approximately 4,000 miles from the Moon's surface at its closest point. This venture will take the crew farther into space than any previous human mission. The flyby marks a significant step in lunar exploration.

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Artemis II Lunar Mission Progress

The Artemis II mission is progressing towards a historic lunar flyby, with astronauts finding 'Easter eggs' aboard and transmitting striking images of Earth. The mission aims to break Apollo 13's distance record and represents a renewed commitment to sustained moon exploration by the US.

NASA's Artemis II Lunar Flyby Mission

The Artemis II mission is currently underway, with astronauts racing towards and preparing for a historic flyby around the Moon. This mission marks a significant step in human lunar exploration, with the crew already capturing breathtaking views and setting new distance records.

Artemis II Moon Flyby Mission

The Artemis II mission, carrying a crew of four astronauts, is nearing its historic lunar flyby. The crew has shared stunning images of Earth and is preparing to loop around the far side of the Moon, marking a significant milestone in human space exploration.

Artemis II Lunar Flyby Mission

The Artemis II mission, carrying a crew of four, is currently on a historic journey around the Moon. Astronauts are preparing for a lunar flyby, capturing breathtaking views and marking a significant milestone in human space exploration.

NASA's Artemis II Moon Mission Launch Preparations

NASA is finalizing preparations for the Artemis II crewed moon mission, targeting an early April launch. This mission will be the first crewed test flight around the Moon as part of the broader Artemis program aimed at returning humans to the lunar surface.

NASA's Artemis II Moon Mission Launch Preparations

NASA is finalizing preparations for its Artemis II crewed moon mission, targeting an April 1 launch. The mission, which will orbit the Moon, has seen its Space Launch System rocket repaired after previous delays.

NASA's Artemis II Lunar Flyby Mission

NASA's Artemis II mission is progressing with its crew preparing for a historic lunar flyby. The mission marks a significant step in humanity's return to the Moon, with astronauts observing breathtaking views and breaking distance records.

Artemis II Mission: Lunar Flyby

The Artemis II mission astronauts are on a historic flyby around the Moon, marking the first time humans have journeyed this far in over half a century. The crew has been sharing breathtaking views and is set to break Apollo 13's distance record.

Artemis II Lunar Mission

The Artemis II mission is progressing, with its crew of four astronauts nearing a historic lunar flyby. This mission marks a significant step in humanity's return to the Moon, with the crew preparing for a lunar loop and observing breathtaking sights.

Artemis II Mission: Lunar Flyby and Distance Record

The Artemis II crew is on a historic mission to orbit the Moon, aiming to take humans farther from Earth than ever before. The mission involves a lunar flyby, with the crew preparing for crucial maneuvers and sharing stunning views from space.

Artemis II Mission Prepares for Lunar Flyby

The Artemis II mission is preparing for a historic lunar flyby, which will take its crew farther from Earth than any humans have traveled before. This mission is a crucial step in NASA's efforts to return humans to the Moon.

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