Summary
The four Artemis II astronauts recently returned from a mission flying around the moon, sharing their awe at seeing the moon’s far side and a solar eclipse from space. They described the experience as powerful and almost beyond words, noting the global support for their mission.
Key Facts
- The Artemis II crew launched from Kennedy Space Center on April 1, 2026, and returned to Earth on April 10 after orbiting the moon.
- The astronauts saw the moon’s far side, which is normally hidden from Earth’s view.
- During the mission, they witnessed a solar eclipse where the moon blocked the sun, creating a glowing ring.
- Commander Reid Wiseman asked a Navy ship chaplain to visit after landing to help express his emotions from the experience.
- Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen noted the three-dimensional depth of stars and space visible from the spacecraft.
- The crew traveled nearly 700,000 miles on the mission.
- After returning, the astronauts underwent medical and physical tests and have not yet had time to fully process their journey.
