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Artemis II Mission Returns from Lunar Flyby

The Artemis II crew has successfully completed its historic lunar flyby, traveling farther from Earth than any human before. Astronauts are now returning to Earth, sharing new images from the far side of the Moon and making a long-distance call to the International Space Station.

Latest Developments

Ars Technica85/100Apr 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.

CBS News85/100Apr 8, 2026

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.

CBS News85/100Apr 8, 2026

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.

CBS News85/100Apr 8, 2026

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.

New York Times88/100Apr 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.

Key Facts

The Artemis II crew completed a historic trip around the far side of the moon.

Source: CBS News

They traveled farther from Earth than any human before.

Source: CBS News

Astronauts shared new images, including an 'Earthset' view, as they returned to Earth.

Source: CBS News

The crew successfully made a long-distance call to the International Space Station while both were in space.

Source: CBS News, PBS NewsHour

Recent Highlights

April 9, 2026

Artemis II astronauts make a call to the International Space Station.

April 9, 2026

New images from the far side of the moon are released.

April 9, 2026

Artemis II crew completes lunar flyby and begins return journey to Earth.

Full Coverage (12 articles)

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

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.

Apr 8, 2026

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.

Apr 8, 2026

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.

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'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.

Apr 7, 2026

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.

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

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.