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NASA's Artemis II Lunar Flyby Mission

The Artemis II mission is currently underway, with astronauts racing towards and preparing for a historic flyby around the Moon. This mission marks a significant step in human lunar exploration, with the crew already capturing breathtaking views and setting new distance records.

Latest Developments

The Hill82/100Apr 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.

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.

CBS News85/100Apr 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.

CBS News85/100Apr 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.

Google News - Top Stories85/100Apr 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.

Key Facts

Artemis II astronauts are on a mission to perform a historic flyby around the Moon, marking the first human lunar journey in over half a century.

Source: New York Times, AFP / France 24

The crew has reached the 'two thirds' mark of their journey and is preparing to loop around the Moon's far side, capturing stunning views of Earth and the lunar surface.

Source: Fox News, CBS News

The mission is expected to break Apollo 13's distance record, signifying a major milestone in NASA's lunar exploration program.

Source: Politico

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman has defended proposed budget cuts while emphasizing the agency's commitment to establishing a permanent lunar base.

Source: The Hill

Recent Highlights

March 31, 2026

Artemis II arrives in lunar space, positioning for its trip around the Moon.

April 5, 2026

The mission reaches the 'two thirds' mark of its journey to the Moon, releasing new lunar photographs.

April 5, 2026

Artemis II astronauts are racing into the Moon's embrace, preparing for a lunar flyby scheduled for Monday.

April 5, 2026

Crew prepares to loop around the Moon's far side, with critical moments identified by NASA.

April 5, 2026

Mission reaches the 'two thirds' mark, releasing new lunar photographs.

Full Coverage (37 articles)

Showing 20 of 37 articles

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

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.

Apr 6, 2026

Artemis II crew regains contact with Earth after planned blackout | Special Report

The Artemis II crew has successfully re-established contact with mission control after completing a planned 40-minute communications blackout. This blackout occurred as the crew looped around the moon, a critical phase designed to test systems and procedures for future lunar missions. Regaining contact confirms the crew's successful navigation through a period when the moon blocked direct communication with Earth. The event is a significant milestone for the Artemis II mission, which aims to orbit the Moon and return, paving the way for human lunar landings. Tony Dokoupil anchored a special report on the development.

Apr 6, 2026

NASA official says Artemis II crew saw different colors on moon's surface

The Artemis II crew reported observing different color variations on the moon's surface on Monday. This direct observation from the crew provides new insights into the lunar landscape as part of the mission's objectives. Joel Kearns, deputy associate administrator for exploration at NASA, is discussing these findings with CBS News. These firsthand accounts from astronauts offer valuable data for understanding the moon's geological composition.

Apr 6, 2026

Artemis II crew names moon crater after commander's late wife

The Artemis II crew proposed naming a lunar crater "Carroll" after commander Reid Wiseman's late wife during their ongoing spaceflight. This action marks a personal tribute by the crew to a loved one, integrating human sentiment into the scientific exploration of space. The proposal of new names for lunar features, including "Carroll," reflects the crew's ability to influence the mapping and nomenclature of celestial bodies. Retired NASA astronaut Cady Coleman has offered her reaction to this development.

Apr 6, 2026

Artemis II crew loses contact with Earth as they fly behind moon

The Artemis II crew has lost contact with Earth as they entered a scheduled communications blackout while looping around the far side of the moon. This is a routine part of their mission, designed for the spacecraft to orbit behind the lunar body. The temporary loss of communication is expected as the moon physically blocks radio signals between the crew and mission control. Former NASA astronaut Ron Garan is discussing this event with CBS News, providing expert commentary. The crew is anticipated to re-establish contact once they emerge from behind the moon.

Apr 6, 2026

Artemis II crew breaks distance record on mission around far side of moon

The four-astronaut crew of NASA's Artemis II mission flew to the far side of the moon, establishing a new record for the farthest distance from Earth ever traveled by humans. This historic achievement occurred during a seven-hour lunar flyby, which was a highly anticipated segment of their mission. The successful maneuver signifies a major milestone in NASA's Artemis program, aiming to return humans to the lunar surface. Science correspondent Miles O'Brien discussed this development with Geoff Bennett.

OverlookedApr 6, 2026

Artemis II Astronauts Name Moon Crater After Carroll, Reid Wiseman’s Late Wife

The Artemis II astronauts named a Moon crater after Carroll, the late wife of astronaut Reid Wiseman. This act honored Carroll Wiseman, who died in 2020, during an emotional moment shared with mission control and her family in Houston. The naming serves as a tribute from the crew to a significant individual connected to one of their own. Reid Wiseman is part of the Artemis II mission, which will orbit the Moon.

Apr 6, 2026

Artemis II crew will soon be farther from Earth than humans have ever been

The Artemis II crew is preparing for a mission that will take them farther from Earth than any humans have ever traveled. This historic journey aims to establish new records for human deep-space exploration. Retired NASA astronaut and U.S. Navy SEAL Chris Cassidy is providing additional details about the upcoming mission to CBS News. The endeavor marks a significant step in the Artemis program's goal of returning humans to the Moon and eventually Mars.

Apr 6, 2026

Artemis II arrives in lunar space ahead of its trip around the Moon - Engadget

The Artemis II mission has successfully arrived in lunar space, positioning itself for its planned trip around the Moon. This critical maneuver marks a significant milestone for NASA's human spaceflight program, as Artemis II is the first crewed test flight of the Orion spacecraft and Space Launch System rocket. The mission aims to demonstrate the spacecraft's systems and capabilities in a deep-space environment before future missions land astronauts on the lunar surface. This uncrewed journey will pave the way for Artemis III, which is intended to return humans to the Moon for the first time since 1972.

Apr 6, 2026

What NASA chief Jared Isaacman is looking for in the coming days as Artemis II loops around the moon - CBS News

NASA chief Jared Isaacman is closely monitoring specific aspects of the Artemis II mission as the spacecraft performs its lunar loop. This mission represents a critical step in NASA's plans to return humans to the Moon, testing systems and procedures in deep space. Isaacman's focus in the coming days is crucial for evaluating the performance and safety of the Artemis II crew and hardware. His observations will directly inform future Artemis missions, including the planned human lunar landing.

Apr 6, 2026

NASA's Artemis II crew readies for Monday's lunar flyby. Here's what you need to know - NPR

NASA's Artemis II crew is preparing for a lunar flyby scheduled for Monday. This mission marks a critical step in the Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon. The flyby will test the Orion spacecraft and its systems with astronauts aboard, paving the way for future lunar landings. This mission is part of the Trump administration's broader initiative to re-establish a human presence on the Moon and eventually Mars. The success of Artemis II is vital for the program's ambitious long-term goals.

Apr 6, 2026

NASA's Artemis II crew readies for Monday's lunar flyby. Here's what you need to know

NASA's Artemis II crew is preparing for a lunar flyby scheduled for late Monday. During the mission, the astronauts will loop approximately 4,000 miles from the Moon's surface at its closest point. This venture will take the crew farther into space than any previous human mission. The flyby marks a significant step in lunar exploration.