Artemis II Mission Returns to Earth
The Artemis II crew has successfully completed its historic journey around the far side of the moon and is now returning to Earth. Astronauts have shared new images and even made a long-distance call to the International Space Station.
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.
NASA Artemis II astronauts prepare to end moon mission in 'fireball' re-entry
Four NASA Artemis II astronauts are preparing for a "fireball" re-entry to Earth on Friday evening, concluding their historic moon mission. The crew, currently in their Orion capsule, held their first press conference from space on Wednesday, discussing their emotions as they wrapped up the unprecedented flight. This mission saw them travel to the far side of the moon, making them the farthest-flying humans in history. Their journey began with a launch from Florida last week, and they are now due to splash down off the Southern California coast.
Key Facts
The Artemis II crew completed a historic trip around the far side of the moon, traveling farther from Earth than any human before.
Source: CBS News
Astronauts had a quiet day returning to Earth after their successful NASA mission.
Source: New York Times
The crew shared new images from the far side of the moon, described as offering a fresh perspective.
Source: CBS News
Artemis II astronauts successfully placed a call to the International Space Station while both crews were in space.
Source: CBS News
Recent Highlights
Artemis II astronauts make a long-distance call to the International Space Station.
NASA releases new images from the Artemis II crew's lunar flyby.
Artemis II crew completes its journey around the far side of the moon and begins return to Earth.
Full Coverage (19 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.
NASA Artemis II astronauts prepare to end moon mission in 'fireball' re-entry
Four NASA Artemis II astronauts are preparing for a "fireball" re-entry to Earth on Friday evening, concluding their historic moon mission. The crew, currently in their Orion capsule, held their first press conference from space on Wednesday, discussing their emotions as they wrapped up the unprecedented flight. This mission saw them travel to the far side of the moon, making them the farthest-flying humans in history. Their journey began with a launch from Florida last week, and they are now due to splash down off the Southern California coast.
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.
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.
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.
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.