Artemis II Mission: Lunar Flyby and Earth Images
The Artemis II crew successfully completed a historic lunar flyby, capturing stunning images of Earth and the moon, including an 'Earthset' and a solar eclipse. The mission is seen as a crucial step towards returning humans to the lunar surface, generating excitement and discussions about future space exploration.
Latest Developments
Watch live: Artemis II crew holds press conference from space
The Artemis II crew, consisting of Cmdr. Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, mission specialist Christina Koch, and Canadian Space Agency mission specialist Jeremy Hansen, will hold a live press conference from the Orion spacecraft. This event follows their recent achievement of traveling farther into space than any previous human mission. The press conference provides an opportunity for the astronauts to share their experiences during the 10-day lunar flyby mission. This mission marks a significant step for NASA's Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon.
Watch live: NASA officials give update on Artemis II as mission enters final stretch
NASA officials are providing a live update on the Artemis II mission as the four astronauts aboard the Orion spacecraft return to Earth. The crew, consisting of Cmdr. Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, mission specialist Christina Koch, and Canadian Space Agency mission specialist Jeremy Hansen, is nearing the end of their historic journey. This mission marks a critical step in NASA's plans for human lunar exploration, aiming to return astronauts to the Moon. The daily update will detail the final stages of the mission before the crew's expected splashdown.
For Artemis II, Returning to Earth May Be the Most Dangerous Part of the Mission
For the Artemis II mission, astronauts face significant danger during their return to Earth. After successfully flying around the moon, the crew must rely on a heat shield known to be flawed. This defect makes the re-entry into Earth's atmosphere the most perilous phase of their mission. The heat shield is critical for protecting the spacecraft and its occupants from extreme temperatures generated by atmospheric friction. This situation puts the lives of the astronauts at heightened risk as they complete their journey.
WATCH: Artemis II reentry is 'riskier' than previous mission: Former astronaut
Former astronaut Susan Kilrain stated that the Artemis II reentry is "riskier" than previous missions. She discussed the crew's return and what they will experience once back on Earth. This assessment highlights potential challenges or increased hazards associated with the Artemis II mission's final phase. The commentary from a retired NASA astronaut provides insight into the complexities of spaceflight reentry procedures.
Artemis II astronauts follow Apollo tradition of naming lunar features after loved ones - AP News
Artemis II astronauts are continuing an Apollo tradition by naming lunar features after their loved ones. This practice allows the crew to personalize their historic mission by leaving a symbolic mark on the Moon. The tradition connects current lunar exploration efforts with the legacy of past spaceflights. This gesture honors family and friends while adding a human touch to scientific endeavors.
Key Facts
The Artemis II crew completed a historic lunar flyby, marking a significant milestone in NASA's mission to return humans to the Moon.
Source: CBS News, NPR
Astronauts captured stunning images of Earth, the Moon, an 'Earthset,' and a solar eclipse, which were widely released by NASA.
Source: CBS News, New York Times, BBC News
The mission's success has led to discussions about its readiness to send humans to the lunar surface.
Source: BBC News
President Trump spoke with the Artemis II astronauts, congratulating them on their mission and inviting them to the White House.
Source: ABC News, The Hill
Recent Highlights
Artemis II crew performs lunar flyby, capturing initial images of Earth and the Moon.
NASA holds a news conference to discuss the historic images and mission progress.
President Trump speaks with Artemis II astronauts, congratulating them on their mission.
NASA releases first images from the far side of the moon and an 'Earthset' captured by Artemis II.
Full Coverage (33 articles)
Showing 20 of 33 articles
Watch live: Artemis II crew holds press conference from space
The Artemis II crew, consisting of Cmdr. Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, mission specialist Christina Koch, and Canadian Space Agency mission specialist Jeremy Hansen, will hold a live press conference from the Orion spacecraft. This event follows their recent achievement of traveling farther into space than any previous human mission. The press conference provides an opportunity for the astronauts to share their experiences during the 10-day lunar flyby mission. This mission marks a significant step for NASA's Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon.
Watch live: NASA officials give update on Artemis II as mission enters final stretch
NASA officials are providing a live update on the Artemis II mission as the four astronauts aboard the Orion spacecraft return to Earth. The crew, consisting of Cmdr. Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, mission specialist Christina Koch, and Canadian Space Agency mission specialist Jeremy Hansen, is nearing the end of their historic journey. This mission marks a critical step in NASA's plans for human lunar exploration, aiming to return astronauts to the Moon. The daily update will detail the final stages of the mission before the crew's expected splashdown.
For Artemis II, Returning to Earth May Be the Most Dangerous Part of the Mission
For the Artemis II mission, astronauts face significant danger during their return to Earth. After successfully flying around the moon, the crew must rely on a heat shield known to be flawed. This defect makes the re-entry into Earth's atmosphere the most perilous phase of their mission. The heat shield is critical for protecting the spacecraft and its occupants from extreme temperatures generated by atmospheric friction. This situation puts the lives of the astronauts at heightened risk as they complete their journey.
WATCH: Artemis II reentry is 'riskier' than previous mission: Former astronaut
Former astronaut Susan Kilrain stated that the Artemis II reentry is "riskier" than previous missions. She discussed the crew's return and what they will experience once back on Earth. This assessment highlights potential challenges or increased hazards associated with the Artemis II mission's final phase. The commentary from a retired NASA astronaut provides insight into the complexities of spaceflight reentry procedures.
Artemis II astronauts follow Apollo tradition of naming lunar features after loved ones - AP News
Artemis II astronauts are continuing an Apollo tradition by naming lunar features after their loved ones. This practice allows the crew to personalize their historic mission by leaving a symbolic mark on the Moon. The tradition connects current lunar exploration efforts with the legacy of past spaceflights. This gesture honors family and friends while adding a human touch to scientific endeavors.
What new images of the moon tell NASA
NASA is receiving new images of the moon, which are providing valuable data. These images are being sent back as the Artemis II astronauts conduct system tests inside their capsule. The tests are in preparation for the crew's planned splashdown off the coast of San Diego on Friday. This activity, reported by CBS News' Mark Strassmann from the Johnson Space Center, is crucial for validating the spacecraft's systems ahead of future lunar missions. The information gathered from these images and tests directly informs NASA's ongoing Artemis program objectives.
Watch live: NASA outlines Artemis II progress as mission wraps up
NASA officials are providing an update on the Artemis II mission as the four astronauts prepare to return to Earth this week. The mission, which launched on April 1, is a lunar flyby test flight carrying Cmdr. Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, mission specialist Christina Koch, and a Canadian Space Agency astronaut. This briefing offers insight into the progress of the crew and spacecraft as they conclude their journey around the Moon. The successful completion of Artemis II is a critical step in NASA's broader plan to return humans to the lunar surface.
With Orion still flying, NASA is nearing key decisions about Artemis III
NASA is nearing key decisions about its Artemis III mission, even as the Artemis II mission is still in flight and expected to return to Earth on Friday evening. The US space agency announced six weeks ago that it would insert Artemis III, an Earth-orbiting mission, into its timeline before the planned lunar landings. This new mission aims to "buy down" risk for the subsequent lunar landing mission, now designated Artemis IV. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman stated Tuesday afternoon that the agency is debating which orbit to use for Artemis III. The first "senior level" mission design discussion for Artemis III occurred earlier the same day.
What did astronauts observe during the Artemis II lunar flyby?
The Artemis II crew of four astronauts is returning to Earth after completing a lunar flyby. This mission saw them travel farther into space than any humans in history. The flyby marks a critical step for NASA's Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon. The success of this mission provides vital data and experience for future lunar landings.
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's "Earthset" captures the beauty of perspective
Tony Dokoupil is examining the photos from the Artemis II mission, specifically focusing on an "Earthset" image. These images are presented as offering Americans a sense of perspective during a period of significant uncertainty and change. The mission's visual output aims to provide a broader view beyond current earthly events. The "Earthset" captures the beauty of this unique perspective from space.
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.
The Significance of The Artemis II Moon Photos
The crew of Artemis II, the first astronauts to venture to the moon since Apollo 17 in December 1972, beamed back numerous digital images and iPhone photos since their April 1 launch. On April 6, they swung around the far side of the moon, capturing a fusillade of photos of the moon, Earth, and life inside the cockpit through their spacecraft’s five windows. Pilot Victor Glover and mission specialist Christina Koch spent seven hours accumulating lunar images, observing a rare solar eclipse and an "Earthset" at 6:41 p.m. on April 6. At their closest approach, the crew was 4,067 miles from the moon's surface. These images contrast sharply with the analog methods of Apollo missions, providing immediate public access to lunar views.
NASA releases first images from far side of moon taken by Artemis II
NASA released the first images from the far side of the moon, captured by the Artemis II crew on Tuesday. These stunning photos also depict an eclipse in space, as reported by CBS News space consultant William Harwood. This release marks a significant milestone for the Artemis II mission, which is part of NASA's broader effort to return humans to the lunar surface. The images provide new visual data from a rarely seen lunar region.
The Guardian view on Artemis II: the light and dark sides of the moon | Editorial
US astronaut Christina Koch traveled to the far side of the moon on Monday as part of the Artemis II mission. Her experience led her to a deepened appreciation for Earth, echoing sentiments from earlier generations of space travelers. This perspective highlights the "wonder of humankind’s reaching for the skies" despite concerns about a new space race. The editorial draws a parallel to the "Earthrise photograph" from the 1968 Apollo 8 mission, which significantly influenced the environmental movement. Such journeys offer a unique view of the "blue planet" and its miraculous nature.
Artemis II crew describe ‘overwhelming’ emotions after soaring past the moon - The Guardian
The Artemis II crew described experiencing "overwhelming" emotions after successfully soaring past the moon. This mission marks a critical step in NASA's Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the lunar surface after more than 50 years. The crew's journey around the moon is a test flight, paving the way for future missions that will land astronauts. Their personal reflections highlight the profound impact of human space exploration.
WATCH LIVE: NASA holds daily Artemis II news conference after releasing historic images of Earth
NASA is holding a daily news conference regarding the Artemis II mission after releasing historic images of Earth. The Artemis II crew, consisting of three Americans and one Canadian, is currently en route back to Earth. Their mission is concluding with a planned splashdown in the Pacific Ocean on Friday. This event marks a significant milestone for the Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon. The news conference provides updates on the crew's return journey and the mission's achievements.