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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.

Latest Developments

The Hill82/100Apr 9, 2026

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.

The Hill82/100Apr 9, 2026

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.

New York Times88/100Apr 9, 2026

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.

ABC News90/100Apr 9, 2026

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.

AP US News96/100Apr 9, 2026

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 mission has successfully arrived in lunar space and is preparing for a historic lunar flyby.

Source: Engadget, New York Times, AFP / France 24

The crew, consisting of three Americans and one Canadian, is on its sixth day of the journey and will loop approximately 4,000 miles around the Moon.

Source: NPR, New York Times

Astronauts have reported 'breathtaking sights' and even found 'Easter eggs' aboard their spacecraft.

Source: CBS News

NASA chief Jared Isaacman is closely monitoring specific aspects of the mission as the spacecraft performs its lunar loop.

Source: Google News - Top Stories, CBS News

The mission has reached the 'two thirds' mark of its journey, releasing new lunar photographs.

Source: Fox News

Recent Highlights

April 1, 2026

Artemis II astronauts entered the final phase of their run-up to a lunar loop.

April 5, 2026

The Artemis II mission successfully arrived in lunar space.

April 7, 2026

Astronauts prepared for a lunar flyby, scheduled for late Monday, and observed 'breathtaking sights'.

April 8, 2026

The mission reached the 'two thirds' mark of its journey, releasing new lunar photographs, and prepared for a historic flyby around the Moon.

Full Coverage (47 articles)

Showing 20 of 47 articles

Apr 9, 2026

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.

Apr 9, 2026

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.

OverlookedApr 9, 2026

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.

Apr 9, 2026

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.

OverlookedApr 9, 2026

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.

Apr 8, 2026

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.

Apr 8, 2026

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.

OverlookedApr 8, 2026

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.

Apr 8, 2026

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.

Apr 8, 2026

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.

Apr 8, 2026

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.

Apr 7, 2026

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.

Apr 7, 2026

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.

Apr 7, 2026

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.

Apr 7, 2026

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.

Apr 7, 2026

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.

Apr 7, 2026

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.

Apr 7, 2026

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.

Apr 7, 2026

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.

Apr 7, 2026

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.