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.
Latest Developments

Artemis II Astronauts Get a Break After Journey Around the Moon
The Artemis II astronauts had a quiet day as they returned to Earth after their journey around the Moon. This break followed their successful NASA mission, which involved a crewed flight around the lunar body. The crew's return marks a significant step in NASA's Artemis program, aiming to re-establish human presence on the Moon. Their journey provides crucial data and experience for future lunar exploration efforts.

Physicist and former NASA astronaut says new moon images offer fresh perspective
Physicist and former NASA astronaut James Newman discussed new imagery from the Artemis II crew's lunar flyby. NASA released these images on Tuesday, captured during the crew's historic journey around the far side of the moon. Newman joined "The Daily Report" to offer his perspective on the mission's significance. The Artemis II mission is a crucial step in NASA's efforts to return humans to the lunar surface.

Artemis II astronauts make long-distance call to space station on the way home from the moon
The Artemis II astronauts made a historic long-distance call to the International Space Station on Tuesday. This communication occurred as they were returning to Earth following their triumphant lunar flyby. The call connected the deep-space crew with astronauts aboard the orbiting laboratory, hundreds of thousands of miles apart. This event marks a significant milestone in space communication capabilities.

Former NASA astronaut on seeing images from moon's far side: "I was so excited, I felt like a kid"
Retired NASA astronaut Terry Virts expressed excitement over new images from the moon's far side, stating he "felt like a kid." This reaction followed NASA's release of stunning photographs taken by Artemis II on Tuesday, which included a view of the lunar far side. Virts shared his perspective on "The Takeout," highlighting the impact of these visual milestones for those with a deep connection to space exploration. The images provide a rare glimpse of the moon's unexplored hemisphere, captured during the Artemis II mission.

New images from far side of moon the first of many
The Artemis II crew has shared new images from the far side of the moon as they return to Earth. These images are the first of many expected from their historic lunar mission, which involved a loop around the moon. CBS News senior national correspondent Mark Strassmann reported on this development. The successful capture and transmission of these images signify a key milestone in the Artemis program's objectives.
Key Facts
Artemis II astronauts are undertaking a historic flyby around the Moon, the first human lunar journey in over 50 years.
Source: AFP / France 24
The mission has reached the 'two thirds' mark of its journey and released new lunar photographs.
Source: Google News - Top Stories
The crew has observed 'breathtaking sights' and discovered 'Easter eggs' aboard their spacecraft.
Source: CBS News
The mission is set to break the distance record previously held by Apollo 13.
Source: Politico
Recent Highlights
Astronauts enter the final phase of their run-up to the lunar loop, preparing for a new distance record.
Reports emerge about unexpected challenges faced by the crew, including issues with onboard facilities.
The Artemis II crew is set to loop around the moon, with live coverage of the event.
Artemis II astronauts prepare for historic flyby around the Moon, observing 'breathtaking sights'.
Artemis II reaches 'two thirds' mark of its journey and releases new lunar photos, preparing to loop around the far side of the moon.
Full Coverage (59 articles)
Showing 20 of 59 articles

Artemis II Astronauts Get a Break After Journey Around the Moon
The Artemis II astronauts had a quiet day as they returned to Earth after their journey around the Moon. This break followed their successful NASA mission, which involved a crewed flight around the lunar body. The crew's return marks a significant step in NASA's Artemis program, aiming to re-establish human presence on the Moon. Their journey provides crucial data and experience for future lunar exploration efforts.

Physicist and former NASA astronaut says new moon images offer fresh perspective
Physicist and former NASA astronaut James Newman discussed new imagery from the Artemis II crew's lunar flyby. NASA released these images on Tuesday, captured during the crew's historic journey around the far side of the moon. Newman joined "The Daily Report" to offer his perspective on the mission's significance. The Artemis II mission is a crucial step in NASA's efforts to return humans to the lunar surface.

Artemis II astronauts make long-distance call to space station on the way home from the moon
The Artemis II astronauts made a historic long-distance call to the International Space Station on Tuesday. This communication occurred as they were returning to Earth following their triumphant lunar flyby. The call connected the deep-space crew with astronauts aboard the orbiting laboratory, hundreds of thousands of miles apart. This event marks a significant milestone in space communication capabilities.

Former NASA astronaut on seeing images from moon's far side: "I was so excited, I felt like a kid"
Retired NASA astronaut Terry Virts expressed excitement over new images from the moon's far side, stating he "felt like a kid." This reaction followed NASA's release of stunning photographs taken by Artemis II on Tuesday, which included a view of the lunar far side. Virts shared his perspective on "The Takeout," highlighting the impact of these visual milestones for those with a deep connection to space exploration. The images provide a rare glimpse of the moon's unexplored hemisphere, captured during the Artemis II mission.

New images from far side of moon the first of many
The Artemis II crew has shared new images from the far side of the moon as they return to Earth. These images are the first of many expected from their historic lunar mission, which involved a loop around the moon. CBS News senior national correspondent Mark Strassmann reported on this development. The successful capture and transmission of these images signify a key milestone in the Artemis program's objectives.

Earthset, moon, eclipse captured in stunning images taken by Artemis II
Astronauts aboard Artemis II captured stunning images of an earthset, the moon, and an eclipse. These crew members are the first humans to view parts of the moon's far side directly. This visual documentation offers a unique perspective from their lunar mission. The images provide valuable data and public engagement for the Artemis program.

Hear from the Artemis II crew as they made history in space
The Artemis II crew successfully completed a trip around the Moon, sending back stunning images from their mission. This journey marks a significant step in NASA's Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the lunar surface. The mission served as a critical test flight for the Orion spacecraft and its systems, paving the way for future lunar landings. CBS News' Mark Strassmann reported on this historic achievement.

Trump tells Artemis II astronauts he wants their autographs
President Trump contacted the Artemis II crew on Monday evening to congratulate them on their mission. During the call, President Trump invited the astronauts to celebrate their return at the White House. He specifically requested their autographs, noting that he rarely asks for them. This interaction highlights the Trump administration's engagement with the high-profile NASA mission. The President indicated that NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman would facilitate the White House visit.

WATCH: Artemis II returns stunning images from historic lunar flyby
Four astronauts aboard Artemis II returned stunning images from their historic lunar flyby. These images were captured during the mission where the crew traveled farther into space than any humans before. The successful flyby and image return mark a significant milestone in human space exploration, demonstrating the capabilities of the Artemis program. Transportation correspondent Gio Benitez shared these visuals, highlighting the mission's achievements. This mission serves as a crucial step toward future lunar landings and deeper space exploration.

NASA’s Artemis II mission sets stage for 2028 moon landing
NASA’s Artemis II mission completed a significant milestone Monday, sending four astronauts farther from Earth than anyone ever before. This mission serves as a critical precursor to the planned 2028 moon landing, testing the Orion spacecraft and its systems in deep space. The successful journey demonstrates NASA's progress in its ambitious lunar exploration program. This achievement sets the stage for future crewed missions to the Moon, aiming to establish a long-term human presence.

Artemis II crew start trip home after milestone-rich lunar flyby
The Artemis II astronauts began their journey back to Earth on Tuesday after completing a lunar flyby. During their mission, the crew made significant celestial observations, including previously little-known lunar craters, a solar eclipse, and meteor strikes. These rich observations are expected to provide scientists with new data and open doors for further research. The successful completion of this milestone-rich flyby marks a key step in the Artemis program.

'Moving moment' as Artemis II crew flies farther than humans have ever gone before
The four astronauts of NASA's Artemis II mission flew deeper into space on Monday than any humans before them. This historic achievement occurred as the crew conducted a rare flyby of the moon's shadowed far side. The mission revealed the lunar surface under cosmic bombardment, providing new insights into the moon's environment. Emile Martin, a section editor at Ciel & Espace, reported on the emotional atmosphere at mission control in Houston as the crew broke the distance record. This flight marks a significant step in humanity's return to lunar exploration.

Artemis II astronauts swung by the moon, broke an Apollo record, and saw an eclipse - NPR
Artemis II astronauts recently completed a lunar flyby, setting a new record for the farthest human travel beyond Earth. During their mission, the crew surpassed an Apollo-era distance record and observed a solar eclipse from space. This successful journey marks a significant milestone for NASA's Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon. The mission served as a critical test flight for the Orion spacecraft and its systems, paving the way for future lunar landings.

Artemis II astronauts swung by the moon, broke an Apollo record, and saw an eclipse
Artemis II astronauts completed several key milestones during their moon mission. The crew looped around the lunar body, breaking an Apollo record and observing an eclipse. The mission is expected to splash down on Earth on Friday.

Artemis II crew head for home after travelling further from Earth than anyone before - BBC
The Artemis II crew is heading home after completing a journey that took them further from Earth than any previous human spaceflight. This mission marks a significant milestone in NASA's Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon. The crew's successful deep-space travel demonstrates crucial capabilities for future lunar landings and beyond. Their return paves the way for subsequent Artemis missions, including the planned human landing on the Moon.

Retired astronaut Cady Coleman says Artemis II mission "showed us just what can be done by people"
Retired astronaut Cady Coleman commented on the Artemis II mission, stating it "showed us just what can be done by people." This observation came as the Artemis II crew is now returning to Earth after successfully flying behind the moon. Coleman's remarks highlight the significance of the mission's achievements in human spaceflight. The Artemis II mission is a crucial step in NASA's program to return humans to the lunar surface.

How Artemis II crew will spend last days of mission
The four Artemis II astronauts are currently returning to Earth, preparing for their mission's final days before splashdown on Friday. Retired NASA astronaut Bonnie Dunbar is explaining to CBS News the activities the crew will undertake during this critical period. This marks the culmination of their historic mission, which is a significant step in human space exploration. Understanding their final procedures provides insight into the complex operations involved in returning astronauts safely. The successful completion of this phase is crucial for the future of the Artemis program.

Watch: Artemis II mission loses contact with Earth for 40 minutes
The Artemis II mission experienced a 40-minute loss of contact with Earth. This incident occurred during a critical phase of the mission, which is the first crewed test flight of NASA's Orion spacecraft around the Moon. The temporary communication blackout raised concerns among mission control and the public. Upon regaining contact, astronaut Christina Koch expressed relief, stating, "It is so great to hear from Earth again." The event underscores the complexities and inherent risks of deep space exploration.

Artemis II crew regains contact with Earth after planned blackout | Special Report
The Artemis II crew has successfully re-established contact with mission control after completing a planned 40-minute communications blackout. This blackout occurred as the crew looped around the moon, a critical phase designed to test systems and procedures for future lunar missions. Regaining contact confirms the crew's successful navigation through a period when the moon blocked direct communication with Earth. The event is a significant milestone for the Artemis II mission, which aims to orbit the Moon and return, paving the way for human lunar landings. Tony Dokoupil anchored a special report on the development.

NASA official says Artemis II crew saw different colors on moon's surface
The Artemis II crew reported observing different color variations on the moon's surface on Monday. This direct observation from the crew provides new insights into the lunar landscape as part of the mission's objectives. Joel Kearns, deputy associate administrator for exploration at NASA, is discussing these findings with CBS News. These firsthand accounts from astronauts offer valuable data for understanding the moon's geological composition.
