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.
Latest Developments

Former NASA astronauts react to Artemis II trip around far side of moon
The Artemis II crew recently completed a historic trip around the far side of the moon, traveling farther from Earth than any human before. During this lunar flyby, the four astronauts aboard the Orion capsule became the first humans to visually observe certain parts of the moon's far side. This monumental achievement prompted several former NASA astronauts to share their reactions with CBS News. Their commentary underscores the significance of this milestone for human space exploration. The mission marks a critical step in NASA's Artemis program, aiming for a sustained human presence on the Moon.

What are Artemis II astronauts doing on their way back to Earth?
The Artemis II crew is currently returning to Earth after their historic lunar fly-by. During their journey, the astronauts captured and released stunning photos from space. These images provide a visual record of their mission as CBS News national correspondent Mark Strassmann reports from the Johnson Space Center in Houston. The release of these photos allows the public to witness aspects of the crew's groundbreaking journey.

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.
Key Facts
The Artemis II mission crew, consisting of three Americans and one Canadian, is on its sixth day of a journey around the Moon.
Source: New York Times
Astronauts are preparing for a historic lunar flyby, scheduled for Monday, and have observed 'breathtaking sights' from space.
Source: New York Times, CBS News
The mission has reached the 'two thirds' mark of its journey to the Moon and is releasing new lunar photographs.
Source: Google News - Top Stories (Fox News)
Artemis II is set to break the distance record held by Apollo 13 during its lunar flyby, marking a significant milestone.
Source: Google News - Top Stories (Politico)
The White House has pledged America will establish a permanent lunar base, signaling a renewed commitment to sustained moon exploration.
Source: The Hill
Recent Highlights
President Trump calls Artemis II astronauts to congratulate them and requests autographs.
Artemis II crew flies farther into space than any humans before, marking a 'moving moment'.
Artemis II astronauts begin their journey back to Earth after a milestone-rich lunar flyby.
NASA releases first images from the moon flyby, including an 'Earthset'.
Artemis II successfully arrived in lunar space.
Full Coverage (77 articles)
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Former NASA astronauts react to Artemis II trip around far side of moon
The Artemis II crew recently completed a historic trip around the far side of the moon, traveling farther from Earth than any human before. During this lunar flyby, the four astronauts aboard the Orion capsule became the first humans to visually observe certain parts of the moon's far side. This monumental achievement prompted several former NASA astronauts to share their reactions with CBS News. Their commentary underscores the significance of this milestone for human space exploration. The mission marks a critical step in NASA's Artemis program, aiming for a sustained human presence on the Moon.

What are Artemis II astronauts doing on their way back to Earth?
The Artemis II crew is currently returning to Earth after their historic lunar fly-by. During their journey, the astronauts captured and released stunning photos from space. These images provide a visual record of their mission as CBS News national correspondent Mark Strassmann reports from the Johnson Space Center in Houston. The release of these photos allows the public to witness aspects of the crew's groundbreaking journey.

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 call with the ISS, all in space
Artemis II astronauts successfully placed a call to the International Space Station (ISS) while both crews were in space. This communication occurred 150 years after the first telephone call was made on Earth. The event marks a significant milestone in space communication and collaboration between different space missions. This direct interaction between crews on separate spacecraft demonstrates advancing capabilities for future deep-space endeavors. Mark Strassmann is expected to provide further details on this historic communication.

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.

US and Canadian astronauts capture global attention with Artemis II moon flight - Reuters
US and Canadian astronauts have captured global attention with the Artemis II moon flight. This mission marks a significant step in humanity's return to lunar exploration, building on the Artemis program's goals. The global attention highlights widespread public and scientific interest in deep space travel. This collaborative effort between the United States and Canada underscores international partnerships in advanced space endeavors.

The Artemis II crew saw parts of the moon never seen before. Here's what they said
The astronauts on Artemis II observed parts of the moon that humans had never seen before. These observations provide a scientific baseline for future missions. Their findings also offer a sense of wonder for upcoming explorations.

NASA officials give update as Artemis II crew heads back to Earth
NASA officials provided an update Tuesday regarding the Artemis II mission. This update occurred as the Artemis II crew was actively returning to Earth, marking a critical phase of their journey. The mission is a key component of NASA's efforts to return humans to the Moon and establish a long-term presence there. The update likely detailed the crew's status, spacecraft performance, and the progress of their return trajectory. This event signifies the nearing completion of a significant step in the Artemis program's objectives.

NASA–ESA partnership: Artemis II paves the way for exploration of the Moon’s far side and south pole
NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) are collaborating on the Artemis II mission, which is designed to pave the way for future exploration of the Moon's far side and south pole. Didier Schmitt, Head of Future Preparation for the European Space Agency, describes Artemis II as a pivotal, deeply technical, and collaborative moment in space exploration. This flyby mission aims to validate critical technologies, including life support and propulsion systems, while also demonstrating the growing role of Europe through its European Service Module. The mission tests international partnership and humanity's capacity to extend its presence beyond Earth. Artemis II is a crewed mission that will orbit the Moon, setting the stage for subsequent lunar landings.

WATCH: President Trump asks Artemis II astronauts about far side of the moon
President Trump asked Artemis II astronauts about the far side of the Moon during a discussion following their lunar flyby. Artemis II Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen informed President Trump that the far side appeared "very different" after the Orion spacecraft completed its maneuver, allowing the crew to observe it. This interaction highlights the White House's direct engagement with the crew of the Artemis II mission, which recently completed a significant phase of its journey around the Moon. The mission marks a critical step in NASA's plans for returning humans to the lunar surface.

WATCH: President Trump speaks with Artemis II astronauts
President Trump spoke with the Artemis II astronauts following their historic lunar flyby on Monday. During the call, the President extended an invitation for the astronauts to visit the Oval Office upon their return to Earth. This interaction highlights the White House's engagement with NASA's deep space exploration efforts, particularly the Artemis program aimed at returning humans to the Moon. The Artemis II mission is a crucial step in preparing for future lunar landings.

Has Artemis II shown we can land on the Moon again?
The Artemis II mission has been near flawless so far, prompting questions about its readiness to send humans to the lunar surface. This test flight is a critical step for NASA's broader Artemis program, which aims to return astronauts to the Moon. The success of Artemis II is essential for validating the systems and procedures required for future crewed lunar landings. Its performance will directly inform NASA's decision on the timeline and feasibility of subsequent missions to the Moon. The mission's outcome will determine if the agency is prepared for the complex challenges of lunar surface operations.

Retired NASA astronaut on Artemis II and the importance of humans sharing space observations
The Artemis II crew is returning to Earth after completing an historic lunar flyby on Monday. Retired NASA astronaut Dottie Metcalf-Lindenburger is discussing this mission and the broader importance of human involvement in sharing space observations. The crew's successful flyby marks a significant milestone in the Artemis program, designed to return humans to the Moon. Metcalf-Lindenburger's commentary emphasizes the unique value of direct human experience in space exploration. This event sets the stage for future crewed lunar missions.

Artemis II astronauts channel Apollo 8 with a striking Earthset photo - AP News
Artemis II astronauts captured a striking "Earthset" photograph, echoing the iconic "Earthrise" image taken by Apollo 8. This event highlights the ongoing human spaceflight program, which aims to return humans to the Moon. The photograph serves as a symbolic link between current lunar missions and the historic Apollo era. It also provides a public demonstration of the visual experiences and scientific endeavors of the Artemis II crew. The image underscores the continued exploration of space and the visual documentation of these journeys.

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.

NASA releases picture of Earthset shot by Artemis crew
NASA released a historic picture of an "Earthset" captured by members of the Artemis II crew during a lunar flyby. The image shows Earth dipping below the lunar horizon, marking a significant visual milestone for the Artemis program. This event occurred more than 57 years after the iconic "Earthrise" photograph was taken by an Apollo 8 astronaut. The Artemis II crew captured the image on Monday during their record-setting mission around the Moon. This release highlights the progress of the Artemis program as it continues human exploration of the Moon.
