Artemis II Lunar Mission Returns to Earth
The Artemis II crew successfully completed its historic lunar mission, returning to Earth after a 10-day test flight. During their journey, they made a long-distance call to the International Space Station and captured stunning images from the moon's far side.
Latest Developments
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.
Artemis II crew headed back to Earth
The Artemis II crew is returning to Earth after completing their record-breaking mission to the moon. This mission saw the crew achieve new milestones in space exploration. Their return marks a significant step in the Artemis program's efforts to establish a long-term human presence on the lunar surface. CBS News' Mark Strassmann reported on this development.
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.
Key Facts
Artemis II astronauts made a historic long-distance call to the International Space Station while on their way home from the moon.
Source: CBS News, PBS NewsHour
The crew captured and shared spectacular images from the far side of the moon.
Source: CBS News, NPR
The mission, a 10-day crewed test flight, is paving the way for future lunar exploration.
Source: The Hill, AFP / France 24
Recent Highlights
Artemis II crew makes a call to the International Space Station from space.
NASA officials provide an update on the mission as the crew heads back to Earth.
NASA releases stunning photos taken by Artemis II, including views from the far side of the moon.
Full Coverage (13 articles)
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.
Artemis II crew headed back to Earth
The Artemis II crew is returning to Earth after completing their record-breaking mission to the moon. This mission saw the crew achieve new milestones in space exploration. Their return marks a significant step in the Artemis program's efforts to establish a long-term human presence on the lunar surface. CBS News' Mark Strassmann reported on this development.
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 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.
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 live: NASA details progress on Artemis II’s historic moon flyby
NASA officials are providing an update on the Artemis II mission, which is a historic crewed test flight to the moon. The 10-day mission, launched last Wednesday, represents the first time humans have traveled toward the moon in over five decades. The crew aboard the Orion spacecraft is expected to return to Earth on Friday. This mission is a critical step in NASA's broader Artemis program to establish a long-term human presence on and around the moon.