Trump calls Artemis II astronauts "modern-day pioneers" in live conversation

CBS News
April 7, 2026
2 min read

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President Trump will speak to the Artemis II astronauts after their successful moon mission loop.

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President Trump announced late Monday that he will speak to the crew of the Artemis II mission. This communication follows the mission's successful loop around the far side of the moon. The engagement highlights the Trump administration's continued focus on space exploration and direct interaction with astronauts during significant milestones. Such presidential calls are a tradition, often used to commend crews and underscore the national importance of space achievements. The event will likely be broadcast, allowing the public to witness the President's direct address to the returning space explorers.

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Artemis II Mission: Lunar Orbit and Records

The Artemis II crew successfully completed its mission to loop around the far side of the moon, breaking the record for the farthest distance traveled from Earth by humans. Despite a brief communications blackout, the mission provided new observations and honored a fallen loved one.

Artemis II Mission: Lunar Flyby and Distance Record

The Artemis II crew has successfully broken the record for the farthest distance traveled from Earth by humans, surpassing Apollo 13's record. The mission involves a historic lunar flyby, looping around the far side of the Moon as a critical step towards future lunar landings.

Artemis II Mission Breaks Space Travel Records

NASA's Artemis II mission, carrying four astronauts, successfully completed a loop around the far side of the moon, breaking the record for the farthest human travel from Earth. The crew experienced a planned communications blackout and later named a moon crater in honor of a fallen astronaut's wife, marking significant milestones in human space exploration.

Artemis II Mission: Record-Breaking Lunar Journey

The Artemis II mission successfully completed its trip around the far side of the moon, with its four astronauts breaking the record for the farthest human travel from Earth. The crew also experienced a planned communications blackout and named a lunar crater after a commander's late wife.

Artemis II Mission Breaks Distance Record

The Artemis II mission successfully looped around the far side of the moon, with its four-astronaut crew breaking the record for the farthest human travel from Earth. The crew experienced a planned communications blackout and named a lunar crater after a commander's late wife, marking significant milestones as they return to Earth.

Artemis II Mission: Lunar Record-Breaking Journey

The Artemis II mission has successfully completed its journey around the far side of the moon, with its four-astronaut crew breaking the record for the farthest human travel from Earth. The crew also experienced a planned communications blackout and named a moon crater in honor of a commander's late wife.

Artemis II Mission: Lunar Orbit and Record-Breaking Journey

The Artemis II mission successfully completed its journey around the far side of the moon, with its four astronauts breaking the record for the farthest human travel from Earth. The crew also experienced a planned communications blackout and named a lunar crater after a commander's late wife, marking significant milestones before their return to Earth.

Artemis II Mission: Lunar Orbit and Record-Breaking Journey

The Artemis II mission successfully completed its journey around the far side of the moon, with its four astronauts breaking the record for the farthest human travel from Earth. The crew also experienced a planned communications blackout and named a lunar crater.

Artemis II Mission: Lunar Flyby and Records Broken

The Artemis II mission successfully completed a lunar flyby, with its four astronauts traveling farther into space than any humans before them. The crew also named a moon crater after commander Reid Wiseman's late wife, Carroll, and experienced a planned communications blackout.

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.

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