Artemis II Lunar Mission Progress
The Artemis II mission is progressing towards a historic lunar flyby, with astronauts finding 'Easter eggs' aboard and transmitting striking images of Earth. The mission aims to break Apollo 13's distance record and represents a renewed commitment to sustained moon exploration by the US.
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
Artemis II astronauts discovered 'Easter eggs' aboard their spacecraft as they approached the moon.
Source: CBS News
The mission is drawing millions of live viewers as NASA streams the journey in real-time and astronauts transmit images of Earth.
Source: AFP / France 24, Al Jazeera
NASA's Artemis II mission is set to break the distance record previously held by Apollo 13 during its lunar flyby.
Source: Politico, AP US News
The White House has pledged a renewed commitment to sustained moon exploration, aiming to establish a permanent lunar base.
Source: The Hill
Recent Highlights
Artemis II astronauts get closer to the moon, transmitting images of Earth.
Astronauts discover hidden 'Easter eggs' aboard their spacecraft.
Artemis II crew is stunned by views as they ready to loop around the far side of the moon.
Artemis II is set to break Apollo 13's distance record during its lunar flyby.
Astronauts continue to approach the Moon, with their journey being streamed live and images of Earth transmitted.
Full Coverage (65 articles)
Showing 20 of 65 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.
Artemis II mission draws cultural comparisons to Apollo 8
NASA's Artemis II mission is drawing cultural comparisons to the Apollo 8 mission, according to an analysis by Marsha Barrett, associate professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. This is due to the current launch of Artemis II occurring amidst the Iran war, echoing Apollo 8's launch during a conflict nearly 60 years ago. The comparison highlights how major space endeavors can intersect with global geopolitical events. This parallel suggests a public and academic interest in how national achievements in space exploration are perceived against a backdrop of international conflict.
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 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.
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.
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.