NASA's Artemis II Crew Makes Historic Lunar Flyby

In a remarkable leap for space exploration, NASA's Artemis II mission is making history as it travels farther into space than any crewed mission before it. On April 6, 2026, the four-person crew aboard the Orion spacecraft is witnessing parts of the moon that have never been seen by human eyes.

Launched atop a Space Launch System (SLS) rocket from the Kennedy Space Center, the Artemis II mission marks the first time humans have left Earth's orbit since the Apollo missions, with a flyby that will surpass the Apollo 13 mission's distance record of 248,655 miles. At precisely 1:57 p.m. on this historic day, the crew will achieve this milestone, solidifying their place in the annals of space exploration.

The Artemis II crew consists of NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen. During the mission's seven-hour lunar flyby, the astronauts will observe the moon and experience a total solar eclipse, witnessing the sun vanish behind the moon from an extraordinary vantage point.

As they approach the moon, the crew is set to document their observations in real-time, providing a unique perspective on the lunar surface. The far side of the moon will be about 21% illuminated at their closest approach, allowing for a distinctive view. NASA has identified approximately 35 geological features for the crew to observe, with a focus on color variations on the lunar surface.

Kelsey Young, the Artemis II lunar science lead, emphasized the value of human observation. "The human eye, especially when it's connected to a well-trained brain, is capable of making subtle color observations in the blink of an eye," she explained. Young likened the lunar surface to a sandbox, where different angles of illumination can reveal a range of textures and colors. This flyby offers an unparalleled opportunity to assess the moon's topography and surface morphology.

The Artemis II mission is a scientific endeavor and a cultural milestone. It is the first crewed launch of NASA's Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the lunar surface and eventually to Mars. The mission is particularly notable for featuring the first woman astronaut and the first Black astronaut to travel to the moon.

In a fun twist, the crew is also the first to bring iPhones into space, using the iPhone 17 Pro Max to document their experiences. These smartphones, which cannot connect to the internet or Bluetooth in space, allow the astronauts to capture stunning images and videos that will be shared with the world. Selfies taken by Koch and Wiseman have already made waves on social media, providing a glimpse of their extraordinary adventure.

"Thinking of You, Earth," a photo by Commander Reid Wiseman, shows him gazing back at Earth from the Orion spacecraft, with the planet's vibrant colors contrasting against the dark void of space. Similarly, Christina Koch captured an image titled "Spaceship Earth," which reveals her silhouette against the backdrop of Earth.

NASA has a comprehensive Lunar Targeting Plan that fine-tunes the crew's observing assignments based on the exact lighting conditions on the moon’s surface. As they approach the moon, most of the near side will be illuminated, providing a view shared with observers back on Earth. On the far side, 20% of the lunar surface will be sunlit, with the remaining 80% in darkness, presenting unique scientific opportunities.

During their flyby, the astronauts will also look for "impact flashes" caused by space debris colliding with the moon's surface. These phenomena, along with dust lofted above the lunar horizon, will add to the scientific value of their observations.

The significance of the Artemis II mission extends beyond mere exploration. It aims to inspire the next generation of scientists and explorers, as highlighted by Young's assertion that the data collected during this mission will unite people in their fascination with the moon. The crew's live observations, streamed to the public, will allow viewers to share in the excitement of their discoveries.

As the astronauts prepare for their flyby, they are acutely aware of the historical weight of their mission. Wiseman, who described seeing the moon's Tycho Crater in three dimensions as "absolutely unbelievable," conveyed the thrill of witnessing the lunar surface in real-time. His commentary during the mission has already captivated audiences, with Mission Control responding with encouragement.

Throughout the flyby, the crew will provide descriptions of their observations, with Young emphasizing the importance of capturing the dynamic interplay between topography, surface texture, and color. The unique viewing angles afforded by the spacecraft's movement will allow for a richer scientific analysis than was possible during previous missions.

In addition to scientific observations, the Artemis II mission is a celebration of human achievement and diversity in space exploration. As the crew embarks on this historic flyby, they are pushing the boundaries of human knowledge and paving the way for future generations to follow in their footsteps.

As the mission progresses, the public eagerly awaits the thousands of photos that will be downlinked after the flyby, offering a glimpse into this extraordinary chapter of space exploration. NASA's commitment to sharing these images with the world reflects the agency's dedication to inspiring curiosity and wonder about the universe beyond our planet.

Artemis II is set to redefine humanity's relationship with the moon and beyond, and as the crew prepares for their monumental flyby, the world watches with bated breath.