\nFlight Day 9: NASA gearing up for Artemis 2 astronauts’ return“The crew has done their part. Now we have to do ours.”<\/p>\n
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Artemis 2 astronauts aboard Orion. (Image credit: NASA)<\/p>\n
HOUSTON \u2014 As Orion picks ups speed on its journey back from the moon, NASA officials say its time for the work of mission engineers and technicians to be put on full display.<\/p>\n
“To every engineer, every technician that’s touched this machine tomorrow belongs to you,” said NASA Associate Administrator Amit Kshatriya, during a mission update briefing today (April 9). “The crew has done their part. Now we have to do ours.”<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n The Artemis 2 astronauts return to Earth tomorrow, and face one of the most risky parts of their mission.<\/p>\n Orion’s return trajectory plan for Artemis 2 was altered after the heat shield on Artemis 1 experienced unexpected char and material losses during atmospheric reentry. Now, rather than hitting the atmosphere head-one, Orion will perform what’s called a “lofted” reentry, dipping down into the atmosphere briefly, before delving back down for its final descent \u2014 similar to a stone skipping once across a pond before sinking beneath the water.<\/p>\n The flight path is designed to reduce heat stress on Orion’s heatshield, decelerating the spacecraft in separate increments to better distribute its building energy, but the risk isn’t entirely mitigated.<\/p>\n “Let’s not beat around the bush,” said Artemis 2 lead flight director Jeff Radigan during Thursday’s briefing. “We have to hit that angle correctly, otherwise we’re not going to have a successful entry,”<\/p>\n Orion will begin its plunge through the atmosphere on Friday (April 10) at around 7:53 p.m. EDT (2353 GMT), entering a 6-minute communications blackout. The spacecraft’s two parachute groups, its drogues and the main chutes, will deploy around 8:03 p.m. EDT (0003 GMT, April 11) and 8:04 p.m. EDT (0004 GMT, April 11), respectively, with splashdown expected at 8:07 p.m. EDT (0007 GMT, April 11).<\/p>\n ‘It just made it even more special’: Being so far from Earth makes you appreciate our planet even more, Artemis 2 astronaut says<\/a><\/p>\n Josh Dinner<\/p>\n Spaceflight Staff Writer<\/p>\n 2026-04-09T16:06:20.596Z The Artemis 2 astronauts were woken up on Thursday (April 9) morning to the song “Lonesome Drifter” by Charley Crockett \u2014 though the world would argue these adventurers are anything but.<\/p>\n With just one day to go before they splash down just off the coast of San Diego, these space explorers have captured hearts all across the world. They’ve made heart signs with their hands on NASA’s livestream of the inside of the Orion spacecraft and they’ve watched Nutella float around alongside their toy moon named “Rise” that holds the names of everyone on Earth who signed up to have their presence brought to lunar tides.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n They even named a crater after commander Reid Wiseman’s late wife who passed away from cancer in 2020.<\/p>\n Today’s activities, according to Mission Control, mostly surround preparing for splashdown tomorrow.<\/p>\n And, of course, if you’re interested in the rest of the crew’s wakeup songs \u2014 and are curious what they’ll be listening to during reentry \u2014 you can have a look at our Spotify playlist here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Monisha Ravisetti<\/p>\n Astronomy Editor<\/p>\n 2026-04-09T14:24:29.277Z \n Artemis 2 astronauts post aboard Orion for a selfie. (Image credit: NASA)<\/p>\n HOUSTON \u2014 Good morning from NASA’s Johnson Space Center<\/a>, and the final full day of the Artemis 2 mission. Flight Day 9 of the astronauts’ mission aboard Orion will primarily focus on packing and stowing everything aboard their spacecraft in preparation for their return to Earth.<\/p>\n Yesterday, the Artemis 2 crew had the opportunity to speak with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and took some time last night to answer some questions from the media, though Space.com was, unfortunately, not called on to pose a query of our own. BUT THAT’S OK! I held a miniature interview of my own, and was still able to take a little time to ask a few short questions…<\/p>\n \n Space.com spaceflight staff writer Josh Dinner asks the Artemis 2 astronaut cutout figures a few questions. (Image credit: Space.com \/ Josh Dinner)<\/p>\n Crew wakeup is scheduled today (April 9) at 11:35 a.m. EDT (1535 GMT).<\/p>\n <\/p>\n They do have a few more demonstration tests to carry out today, practicing various procedures for a few off-nominal scenarios. They\u2019ll also be donning and fitting compression clothes designed to help their bodies readjust to gravity after landing, which they also spent some time yesterday doing. <\/p>\n Those are called orthostatic intolerant garments, and help to counteract symptoms like dizziness and lightheadedness after time spent in zero-g. <\/p>\n By the end of today, the couches in Orion will be secured back in place, and the Artemis 2 crew will be fully ready for their return home, with the final leg of their mission just ahead. <\/p>\n Tomorrow will bring an end to their mission, with a splashdown scheduled for tomorrow (April 10), at 8:07 p.m. EDT (0007 GMT, April 11).<\/p>\n ‘It just made it even more special’: Being so far from Earth makes you appreciate our planet even more, Artemis 2 astronaut says<\/a><\/p>\n Josh Dinner<\/p>\n Spaceflight Staff Writer<\/p>\n 2026-04-09T03:44:23.681Z \n (Image credit: NASA)<\/p>\n The Artemis 2 astronauts took some time out of their busy moon mission tonight (April 8) to answer a few questions from reporters.<\/p>\n Those questions were pretty diverse. For example, Artemis 2 commander Reid Wiseman was asked how he felt when his crewmates proposed naming a moon crater after his late wife Carroll<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n “For me personally, that was kind of the pinnacle moment of the mission,” Wiseman responded. “That was, I think, where the four of us were the most forged, the most bonded, and we came out of that really focused on that day ahead.”<\/p>\n Artemis 2 pilot Victor Glover cited witnessing a total solar eclipse<\/a> from beyond the moon as one of his mission highlights. And mission specialist Christina Koch relayed what it’s like to live inside the Orion capsule.<\/p>\n “We have loved living in Orion<\/a>, and in fact, we’ve all said that sometimes you can forget where you really are, because we’re in this small space that just gives us everything we need,” she said.<\/p>\n But, even though the capsule feels bigger in microgravity, “we are bumping into each other 100% of the time,” she added. “A phrase that you often hear in the cabin is, ‘Don’t move your foot. I’m just going to reach for something right under it.'”<\/p>\n Artemis 2 is in the home stretch of its 10-day mission; Orion will come back to Earth on Friday evening (April 10), splashing down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego.<\/p>\n 2026-04-08T22:34:07.856Z \n (Image credit: NASA)<\/p>\n Everything remains on track for Artemis 2’s safe return to Earth<\/a> on Friday evening (April 10). But there is a twist: It looks like the mission won’t break the human spaceflight speed record after all.<\/p>\n That mark is held by the Apollo 10<\/a> moon mission, which reached a maximum speed of 36,397 feet per second \u2014 24,816 mph, or 39,938 kph \u2014 when it returned to Earth on May 26, 1969. We’d been told that Artemis 2 will top that mark, but the latest calculations have it coming up a bit short during its own reentry.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n “Our prediction for Artemis 2 \u2014 we’re going to reach a max velocity of 34,965 feet per second,” Artemis 2 Flight Director Rick Henfling said during a press conference this afternoon (April 8). That works out to 23,840 mph, or 38,367 kph.<\/p>\n If all goes to plan, Artemis 2’s Orion capsule will hit Earth’s atmosphere at 7:53 p.m. EDT (2353 GMT) on Friday, then splash down 14 minutes later. It will come down in the Pacific Ocean off the San Diego coast; the four astronauts will then be recovered and brought ashore for medical evaluations.<\/p>\n Mike Wall<\/p>\n Spaceflight and tech editor<\/p>\n 2026-04-08T19:30:16.084Z \n Artemis 2 astronauts post aboard Orion for a selfie. (Image credit: NASA)<\/p>\n HOUSTON \u2014 The Artemis 2 astronauts aboard Orion are continuing their flight back from the moon, and have started wrapping up aspects of the mission to prepare for their plunge through Earth’s atmosphere.<\/p>\n NASA astronaut and Artemis 2 commander Reid Wiseman began his scheduled exercise routine today (April 8) at 3 p.m. EDT (1900 GMT) \u2014 an activity each crew member has partaken in daily to stave off the effects of microgravity on their muscles and bones.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Before his workout, however, Reid called down to mission control to confirm that this would be his last exercise routine before the crew’s return April 10.<\/p>\n “Can you confirm this is my final exercise of the mission,” Wiseman said to Mission Control. “It’ll just help me with stowage management.”<\/p>\n The crew’s final exercise is one of the milestones marking the final leg of their journey \u2014 and stowing everything aboard Orion, including the crew’s flywheel exercise machine, is important. Loose gear can be dangerous during reentry.<\/p>\n Artemis 2 is scheduled to splash down on April 10, at 8:07 p.m. EDT (0007 GMT, April 11). Before they do, though, Orion will break another spaceflight record when it hits Earth’s atmosphere at 25,000 mph (40,230 kph), and that can be a bumpy ride. Any free-flying equipment aboard the spacecraft will become a hazard during that phase of flight, and securing heavy gear like exercise equipment is crucial.<\/p>\n Later today, the astronauts will hold a live event with the Canadian Space Agency , practice radiation-shielding procedures and hold a short press conference at 9:45 p.m. EDT (0145 GMT on April 9).<\/p>\n Tonight, the astronauts will perform maneuverability tests with Orion, switching between the spacecraft’s two modes of attitude control.<\/p>\n ‘It just made it even more special’: Being so far from Earth makes you appreciate our planet even more, Artemis 2 astronaut says<\/a><\/p>\n Josh Dinner<\/p>\n Spaceflight Staff Writer<\/p>\n 2026-04-08T16:02:33.183Z Flight Day 8 of the Artemis 2 mission around the moon<\/a> kicked off today (April 8) at 11:35 a.m. EDT (1335 GMT) with a great wakeup song \u2014 “Under Pressure” by David Bowie and Queen. (There was some drama when the first notes of that famous bassline hit, however: Were we hearing that classic or “Ice Ice Baby?<\/a>“)<\/p>\n After shutting off the song, Mission Control beamed up a nice message from the Canadian Space Agency<\/a> (CSA). “Good morning, Artemis 2!” a crowd of CSA workers hollered at the four astronauts.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Then, a single voice delivered these words: “Your friends and colleagues at the Canadian Space Agency wish you another great day on your voyage. Canadians everywhere are inspired by your journey, and we’re with you every step of the way. Let’s go!”<\/p>\n The CSA has an astronaut on Artemis 2, of course \u2014 mission specialist Jeremy Hansen. He’s flying with four NASA astronauts: Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch.<\/p>\n Flight Day 8 will be a rather sedate one for the quartet, at least compared to the action-packed Flight Day 6, when they made their record-breaking flyby of the moon<\/a>. The astronauts will hold a live CSA downlink event at 7:20 p.m. EDT (2320 GMT), conduct a radiation-shielding experiment an hour later, and talk to reporters at 9:45 p.m. EDT (0145 GMT on April 9). Then, at 10:59 p.m. EDT (0259 GMT), they’ll do some manual flying with their Orion capsule to further test its capabilities.<\/p>\n Artemis 2 launched on April 1<\/a> and is now in the home stretch of its historic journey. The mission will return to Earth on Friday evening (April 10), splashing down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego.<\/p>\n Mike wall<\/p>\n Spaceflight and tech editor<\/p>\n 2026-04-08T12:38:17.437Z HOUSTON \u2014 Good morning, all, and welcome to flight day 8 of the Artemis 2 mission!<\/p>\n As they make their way back from the moon, the astronauts have a full day ahead of them. After their wakeup call, the Artemis 2<\/a> astronauts will practice in-flight procedures for dealing with incoming radiation, as well as tests on Orion’s attitude control system modes.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Radiation is a constant presence in space and can pose risks to both biology and technology. In the event of a major radiation event, like a solar flare<\/a>, the astronauts take shelter inside Orion, barricading themselves between the spacecraft’s heat shield and stacks of supplies that can absorb the brunt of the incoming particles.<\/p>\n They’ll also test out Orion’s two attitude control system modes. The spacecraft has two thruster modes: six-degree-of-freedom and three-degree-of-freedom attitude controls. The six-degree configuration ensures Orion’s course isn’t altered as the spacecraft makes attitude adjustments, auto-correcting any deviation caused by the slight movements. In the three-degree configuration, Orion uses less fuel and requires less complex calculations, but requires course corrections due to inevitable drift.<\/p>\n ‘It just made it even more special’: Being so far from Earth makes you appreciate our planet even more, Artemis 2 astronaut says<\/a><\/p>\n Josh Dinner<\/p>\n Spaceflight Staff Writer<\/p>\n 2026-04-08T03:35:19.223Z Another day, another toilet update. On Tuesday (April 7), a day after Artemis 2’s epic flyby of the moon<\/a>, NASA officials gave us some more news about the mission’s famous space toilet.<\/p>\n The loo has had its issues<\/a> during the mission, but we learned on Tuesday that it’s actually working well now. There’s still a problem, however: The Artemis 2<\/a> astronauts cannot vent their urine into space properly. And an ice blockage of the venting nozzle, as previously hypothesized, is likely not to blame: The new theory is a chemical reaction generating debris that’s blocking a filter. Read our latest Artemis 2 toilet story<\/a> to learn more.<\/p>\n Mike Wall<\/p>\n Spaceflight and tech editor<\/p>\n 2026-04-07T23:51:25.826Z HOUSTON — Hey, Space Fans, as the Artemis 2<\/a> crew continues their rest day, they are gearing up for one critical event today: an engine burn to fine tune their return to Earth.<\/p>\n Called the Return Trajectory Correction 1 burn, it is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. EDT (0130 April 8 GMT).<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Artemis 2 flight director Rick Henfling said the burn will last about 15 seconds and use the reaction control thrusters on Orion spacecraft. It should accelerate the ship by about 1.3 feet per second.<\/p>\n Josh Dinner and I are going to follow the Artemis 2 crew’s example and take a break ourselves. We’re off to dinner and will see you after the burn. Thanks!<\/p>\n Tariq Malik<\/p>\n Editor-in-Chief, Space.com<\/p>\n 2026-04-07T20:12:31.538Z \n (Image credit: NASA)<\/p>\n HOUSTON — The four astronauts of NASA’s Artemis 2 mission<\/a> are officially on break.<\/p>\n At 3;30 p.m. EDT (1930 GMT) today, the crew went off-duty to take a hard-earned break after a marathon observing session as they flew around the moon<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Just after their ship-to-ship call with the International Space Station<\/a>, the astronauts spent at least a half-hour speaking with Artemis 2 science lead Kelsey Young to share their thoughts and observations from yesterday’s moon flyby.<\/p>\n That discussion ranged from the obvious – what the astronauts actually saw of the moon<\/a> – to the process itself, including details like how the reflection of Earthshine off the windows and the Orion spacecraft, or even the brightness of orange Kapton tape in the ship, affected their science collection process.<\/p>\n At 4:30 p.m. EDT (2030 GMT), NASA will hold a press conference to update the public about the mission. We expect NASA chief Jared Isaacman<\/a> to participate in that briefing.<\/p>\n Tariq Malik<\/p>\n Editor-in-Chief, Space.com<\/p>\n 2026-04-07T19:28:01.885Z The Artemis 2 astronauts chopped it up today (April 7) with some of their counterparts on the International Space Station<\/a> (ISS), who had a lot of questions about deep-space travel. After all, no humans had been beyond low Earth orbit, where the ISS resides, since 1972.<\/p>\n For example, NASA astronaut Jessica Meir, who arrived at the orbiting lab in February on SpaceX<\/a>‘s Crew-12 mission, asked Artemis 2’s Christina Koch what the views are like on the moon mission.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n “I found myself noticing not only the beauty of the Earth, but how much blackness there was around it, and how it just made it even more special,” responded Koch, who has also looked down on Earth from the ISS. (She lived aboard the station from March 2019 to February 2020.) “It truly emphasized how alike we are.”<\/p>\n All four Artemis 2 astronauts took part on the call. Joining Meir on the ISS side were fellow NASA astronauts Chris Williams and Jack Hathaway and Sophie Adenot of the European Space Agency<\/a>. The three cosmonauts currently living on the ISS, Sergey Kud-Sverchkov, Sergei Mikaev and Andrey Fedyaev, did not participate.<\/p>\n Mike Wall<\/p>\n Spaceflight and tech editor<\/p>\n 2026-04-07T17:31:58.968Z \n (Image credit: NASA)<\/p>\n HOUSTON – Right now, the Artemis 2<\/a> astronauts have the moon in their rear view mirror and \u2014 in just a few minutes, at 1:28 p.m. EDT (1728 GMT) \u2014 will officially leave the lunar sphere of influence. That means the Earth’s gravity will be dominant on them and they are officially headed home.<\/p>\n Whether or not the crew marks the milestone, we have had a lot of developments since the flyby last night. As you can see above, NASA is sharing some of the amazing first images from the Artemis 2 moon flyby<\/a>. We’ll have a story for you on that shortly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n President Donald Trump called to congratulate the astronauts<\/a> late Monday. Yes, there was an awkward silence, but there was a lot of celebratory talk as well.<\/p>\n We also got the first stunning photos of the solar eclipse seen by Artemis 2<\/a>. Those images are fantastic, so check them out.<\/p>\n And finally, the astronauts are meeting with scientists about what they saw today. Space.com’s Monisha Ravisetti caught up with several lunar scientists to discuss what comes next<\/a>. Check it out.<\/p>\n Tariq Malik<\/p>\n Editor-in-Chief, Space.com<\/p>\n 2026-04-07T15:51:13.999Z The Artemis 2 astronauts have officially been woken up for their seventh day of flight activities. Today’s wake-up song was “Tokyo Drifting” by Glass Animals, and unfortunately it appears the team did not get to hear the chorus this time, either.<\/p>\n When Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club” played on Flight Day 4 for just a little while, the crew complained: “We were all eagerly awaiting the chorus.” Hopefully the astronauts have their own headphones onboard the Orion spacecraft to listen to songs from start to finish for some relief.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n You can have a look at our Spotify playlist of the Artemis 2 wake-up songs here<\/a>, and we’ll be updating this story<\/a> with each song as the days go by.<\/p>\n As for today’s agenda, Mission Control said: “Activities today are focused on a ship-to-ship call when the Expedition 74 crew aboard the International Space Station speaks to the Artemis 2 crew aboard the Orion spacecraft.”<\/p>\n The team will also be assessing and conducting a potential return trajectory correction burn one and begin the day with a conference about yesterday’s spectacular moon flyby.<\/p>\n Monisha Ravisetti<\/p>\n Astronomy Editor<\/p>\n 2026-04-07T13:20:14.055Z \n Earthset captured through the Orion spacecraft window at 6:41 p.m. EDT, April 6, 2026, during the Artemis 2 crew\u2019s flyby of the Moon. (Image credit: NASA)<\/p>\n HOUSTON — Good morning, Space Fans, and a happy post moon flyby day from the Artemis 2<\/a> astronauts.<\/p>\n Today is Flight Day 7 of NASA’s 10-day Artemis 2 mission and it should be a bit of a quieter today for the astronaut crew after yesterday’s stunning first moon flyby by humans in over 50 years.<\/a> The astronauts are still sleeping, currently. Their wake up time today is at 11:35 a.m. EDT (1535 GMT).<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Today is a science downlink day. They astronauts will meet and have conferences with the Artemis 2 Lunar Science Team to discuss and download all of their observations of yesterday’s flyby. It should be excited to see. By the way, check out some of the early images – like the view of Earthset above. Absolutely epic.<\/p>\n The astronauts will also get some time off today to rest after a packed mission. We’ll be back for wakeup call today, and maybe some breakfast! See you then!<\/p>\n Tariq Malik<\/p>\n Editor-in-Chief, Space.com<\/p>\n 2026-04-07T03:02:07.235Z HOUSTON \u2014 At the conclusion of Artemis 2’s closest approach to the moon, President Trump called the astronauts for a word of congratulations.<\/p>\n The Artemis 2 astronauts aboard Orion spent the majority of their day performing observations of the moon as their spacecraft carried them on their closest approach \u2014 about 4,000 miles (6,440 kilometers) above the lunar surface. Before they passed behind the lunar far side, the quartet broke the distance record set by Apollo 13, and later in the day reached a maximum distance and new record of 252,756 miles (406,771 km) from Earth.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n NASA Administrator Isaacman began the call after the crew’s flyby, and introduced President Trump, who provided congratulatory remarks.<\/p>\n “There’s nothing like what you’re doing,” Trump said, “circling around the moon for the first time in more than a half century and breaking the all time record for the farthest distance from Planet Earth.”<\/p>\n “You really are modern day pioneers,” Trump told the astronauts.<\/p>\n Social Links Navigation<\/p>\n <\/a>Spaceflight Staff Writer<\/p>\n 2026-04-07T01:32:28.790Z HOUSTON \u2014 From perhaps the darkest vantage point possible, the Artemis 2 astronauts aboard Orion just witnessed a stunning solar eclipse from the far side of the moon.<\/p>\n Over the course of 53 minutes, as Orion dipped into the shadow of the moon and created a truly unique sight for the Artemis 2 crew. The event presented the astronauts a rare chance to study the sun’s corona<\/a>, which has otherwise been drowned out by the overwhelming glare of the sun throughout their mission.<\/p>\n “Afer all of the things we saw earlier, we just went sci-fi,” Artemis 2 pilot Victor Glover said. “It just looks unreal \u2026 the Earthshine.”<\/p>\n \n View of the solar eclipse from Orion. (Image credit: NASA) Social Links Navigation<\/p>\n <\/a>Spaceflight Staff Writer<\/p>\n 2026-04-07T01:24:24.488Z HOUSTON \u2014 As the Artemis 2 astronauts enjoyed the end of a solar eclipse from the far side of the moon, their official lunar flyby observations have reached their conclusion.<\/p>\n During their travels today, the Artemis 2 crew got to view features on the moon never before seen with human eyes, and set a distance record for farthest mission from Earth every traveled by an astronaut crew \u2014 reaching approximately 252,756 miles (406,771 km) from our home planet.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As their day nears its end, the astronauts are still flying in the shadow of the moon, witnessing a rare solar eclipse from the lunar far side, which will wrap up at 9:32 p.m. EDT (0132 GMT, April 7).<\/p>\n Read more: Artemis 2 astronauts fly around the moon in record-breaking lunar loop by NASA<\/a><\/p>\n \n (Image credit: NASA) Social Links Navigation<\/p>\n <\/a>Spaceflight Staff Writer<\/p>\n 2026-04-07T00:36:55.122Z HOUSTON \u2014 As the height of their lunar flyby nears its end, the Artemis 2 crew and Orion are entering a period of solar eclipse as the sun dips behind the moon.<\/p>\n As the star sets behind the disc of the moon, the astronauts will witness a total solar eclipse that lasts for nearly an hour \u2014 specifically, for 53 minutes.<\/p>\n Orion will enter the shadow of the moon at 8:35 p.m. EDT (0035 GMT, April 7), allowing the astronauts to see the sun’s corona like no human on Earth ever could.<\/p>\n \n View of the solar eclipse from Orion. (Image credit: NASA) Social Links Navigation<\/p>\n <\/a>Spaceflight Staff Writer<\/p>\n 2026-04-06T23:37:06.030Z HOUSTON — After 40 minutes out of contact with Earth, the four Artemis 2<\/a> astronauts aboard Orion successfully phoned home and answered Mission Control’s call on time.<\/p>\n “Houston, we have you the same, and it is so great to hear from Earth again,” Artemis 2 mission specialist Christina Koch<\/a> said. “To Asia, Africa and Oceana, we are looking back at you. We hear you can look up and see the moon right now. We see you too.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n “When we burned this bird towards the moon<\/a>, I said that we do not leave Earth, we choose it, and that is true. We will explore. We will build ships. We will visit again, build science outposts. We will drive rovers. We will do radio astronomy. We will found companies. We will bolster industry. We will inspire, but ultimately, we will always choose Earth<\/a>. We will always choose each other.”<\/p>\n The Artemis 2 astronauts are taking an hour-long break from lunar observing duties and are preparing for their next major event, witnessing a solar eclipse from the far side of the moon.<\/p>\n Tariq Malik<\/p>\n Editor-in-Chief, Space.com<\/p>\n 2026-04-06T23:00:42.091Z \n The location of Artemis 2 on the far side of the moon during loss of signal. (Image credit: NASA)<\/p>\n HOUSTON — As we wait the Loss of Signal period to end, there are some things we do know are happening to the Artemis 2<\/a> crew.<\/p>\n At about 7:02 p.m. EDT (2302 GMT), they were do to make their closest approach to the moon<\/a>, coming within 4,067 miles of the lunar surface.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n A few minutes later at 7:07 p.m. EDT (2307 GMT), they will be the farthest from Earth of their mission, 252,756 miles from the Earth.<\/p>\n Despite that distance, Mission Control is not concerned of any issues cropping up while the Artemis 2 crew is out of contact. <\/p>\n “We’ve handed over between Deep Space Network<\/a> sites the whole mission,” Artemis 2 Flight Director Rick Henfling told me last night. “This is just like an extended handover. We know where the spacecraft is, we know where it’ll be when we come out of LOS, and so we’re not worried.”<\/p>\n NASA should reacquire signal with Artemis 2 after 40 minutes, at about 7:24 p.m. EDT (2324 GMT).<\/p>\n Tariq Malik<\/p>\n Editor-in-Chief, Space.com<\/p>\n 2026-04-06T22:49:04.326Z \n Artemis 2 beyond the moon with crescent Earth. (Image credit: NASA)<\/p>\n HOUSTON — At 6:44 p.m. EDT (2244 GMT), the Artemis 2<\/a> Orion spacecraft flew behind the moon and out of range with Earth communications. This “loss of signal” was planned and expected, and will last 40 minutes since Orion is out of line of sight with Earth relay satellites.<\/p>\n Before going out of range, Victor Glover <\/a>shared a poignant message with Earth as cameras on Orion showed the spacecraft, the moon and a crescent Earth in the same view. All of humanity in one photo.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n “Thank you to all of you for allowing us the immense privilege to be on this journey together. It’s quite amazing.<\/p>\n “And as we go on this journey, we’re thinking about the NASA mission, to explore the unknown in air and space, to innovate for the benefit of humanity and to inspire the world through discovery. And as you’ve gone along on this journey with us, hopefully we’re doing just those things.<\/p>\n “And as we get close to the nearest point to the moon and farthest point from Earth, as we continue to unlock the mysteries of the cosmos, I would like to remind you of one of the most important mysteries there on Earth, and that’s love.<\/p>\n “Christ said, in response to what was the greatest command, that it was to love God with all that you are. And he also, being a great teacher, said the second is equal to it, and that is to love your neighbor as love yourself.<\/p>\n “And so as we prepare to go out of radio communication, we feel your love from Earth. And to all of you down there on Earth and around Earth, we love you from the moon.”<\/p>\n Tariq Malik<\/p>\n Editor-in-Chief, Space.com<\/p>\n 2026-04-06T22:29:08.670Z HOUSTON — As we approach loss of signal, the Artemis 2<\/a> astronauts have been trying to describe the visceral experience of observingthe moon up close with their own eyes.<\/p>\n In the video above, you’ll see the Orion capsule’s view of the moon and hear Artemis 2 astronauts Christina Koch<\/a> and Victor Glover<\/a> as they try to convey the awe they felt while observing the moon with their unaided eye and cameras.<\/p>\n Tariq Malik<\/p>\n Editor-in-Chief, Space.com<\/p>\n 2026-04-06T22:22:23.955Z HOUSTON — We have new numbers for you, Space Fans, on the closest approach to the moon and farthest distance from Earth by the Artemis 2 moon mission<\/a>.<\/p>\n NASA Capcom Jenni Gibbons, a backup crewmember for Artemis 2, just radioed the Orion crew to share the new stats.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n At about 7:02 p.m. EDT (2302 GMT), at their closest to the moon, the astronauts will be 4,067 miles above the lunar surface.<\/p>\n At about 7:07 p.m. EDT (2307 GMT), they’ll be at their farthest from the Earth, which will now be 252,756 miles.<\/p>\n “The crew really wants to ask for that in kilometers and in parsecs but thanks for that,” Artemis 2 pilot Victor Glover radioed back with a laugh.<\/p>\n Artemis 2 astronauts Reid Wiseman and Jeremy Hansen are now due to have their launch and the crew is once again switching places.<\/p>\n “On the lunch menu today for Reid Wiseman and Jeremy Hansen, we have vegetarian chili, salmon croquettes, chicken with peanut sauce, sweet and savory kale, pickled beets, chocolate pudding, barbecued beef brisket, spaghetti and meat sauce, Italian vegetables, butternut squash, candy coated chocolates and maybe even a little bit of coffee,” a NASA commentator said.<\/p>\n Here’s a look at what the Artemis 2 astronauts are eating at the moon<\/a>.<\/p>\n A few milestones are coming up next: <\/p>\n 6:44 p.m. EDT (2244 GMT): LOSS OF SIGNAL – this is an expected 40-minute comm blackout as Artemis 2 flies behind far side of the moon.6:49 p.m. EDT (2249 GMT): Earth will set behind the moon as seen by the Artemis 2 crew.7:02 p.m. EDT (2302 GMT): Closest approach to the moon7:07 p.m. EDT (2307 GMT): Farthest distance from Earth7:27 p.m. EDT (2327 GMT): Reacquisition of signal. Tariq Malik<\/p>\n Editor-in-Chief, Space.com<\/p>\n 2026-04-06T21:27:11.771Z \n A view of the moon from 5,818 miles away and closing by the Orion Spacecraft. (Image credit: NASA)<\/p>\n HOUSTON — We’re just under 3 hours into today’s 7-hour lunar flyby and the Artemis 2<\/a> astronauts have swapped places once again. Christina Koch<\/a> and Victor Glover<\/a> have turned over the windows of Orion to Reid Wiseman and Jeremy Hansen. The latter astronauts are wrapping up observations of Glushko Crater, a relatively young crater on the moon.<\/p>\n NASA says the Lunar Science Team is updating its plans based on the observations coming down from the Artemis 2 crew.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Orion spacecraft is 5,818 miles from the moon and about 252,050 miles from Earth.<\/p>\n Koch said the experience was moving.<\/p>\n “It was an incredible experience,” At one point towards the end of the images of my time in window three, I just had an overwhelming sense of being moved by looking at the moon.<\/a>“<\/p>\n “It lasted just a second or two, and I actually couldn’t even make it happen again, but something just drew me in suddenly to the lunar landscape, and it became real. And the truth is, the moon really is its own body in the universe.”<\/p>\n “It’s not just a poster in the sky that goes by. It is a real place. And when we have that perspective, and we compare it to our home of the Earth, it just reminds us how much we have in common. Everything we need, the Earth provides, and that, in and of itself, is somewhat of a miracle, and one that you can’t truly know until you’ve had the perspective of the other.”<\/p>\n Glover agreed.<\/p>\n “It was very moving to look out the windows,” he said, adding that looking through the zoom lens made it feel like he was on the surface. “It was hard to speak looking through the zoom. I was walking around there on the surface, climbing it. Off-roading on the terrain.”<\/p>\n Glover and Koch are due to have their lunch right now.<\/p>\n Tariq Malik<\/p>\n Editor-in-Chief, Space.com<\/p>\n 2026-04-06T20:24:10.762Z \n The moon is visibly larger in this view from a GoPro camera on one of its solar arrays taken at 4:21 p.m. EDT (2021 GMT) as the Artemis 2 Orion spacecraft was 7,370 miles from the moon and 251 139 miles from Earth. (Image credit: NASA)<\/p>\n HOUSTON — The four Artemis 2 astronauts have swapped places for a new round of moon observations as they hit the 2.5-hour mark of their 7-hour lunar science plan.<\/p>\n Artemis 2 pilot Victor Glover<\/a> and mission specialist Christina Koch<\/a> have now taken positions at their Orion spacecraft’s windows, while commander Reid Wiseman and mission specialist Jeremy Hansen float back to support them and perform other tasks.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Even while on support, the astronauts can share observations.<\/p>\n Earlier, Victor Glover radioed to Science Officer Kelsey Young in Mission Control that he could see rays of illuminated peaks jutting up from the darkness of the unilluminated side of the moon<\/a>.<\/p>\n “There look to be islands out beyond the terminator,” Glover said as he described moutain peaks reaching so high, they still caught light despite being on the other side of the terminator, or border between day and night on the moon<\/a>. “It’s very, very interesting to see.”<\/p>\n “Those types of observations are things that humans are uniquely able to contribute and you just brought us right along, thanks,” Young said.<\/p>\n And in case you’re just joining us, just as the crew broke the record for the farthest humans have flown from Earth<\/a>, they proposed naming two unnamed craters for their mission.<\/p>\n One name was Integrity, named after their Orion spacecraft<\/a>. The other crater they asked to name Carroll in honor of Carroll Wiseman, the late wife of Artemis 2 commander Reid Wiseman who died of cancer in 2020.<\/p>\n You can see a replay of that event here.<\/p>\n Tariq Malik<\/p>\n Editor-in-Chief, Space.com<\/p>\n 2026-04-06T19:35:18.250Z \n A view of the moon from Orion a the Artemis 2 crew flew just over 9,000 miles above the lunar surface. (Image credit: NASA)<\/p>\n HOUSTON — The four Artemis 2<\/a> astronauts are describing what appear to be stunning views of the moon as they continue to close in on the Earth’s neighbor.<\/p>\n “The more I look at the moon, the browner and browner it looks,” Artemis 2 mission specialist Christina Koch<\/a> radioed to Mission Control.<\/p>\n Pilot Victor Glover reported some challenges in physically observing the moon, swithcing from the dark of the Orion cabin, to his dim tablet screens for planning and the bright view of the moon<\/a> through zoom lenses.<\/p>\n \n A view of the Lunar Targeting Plan at time of writing. (Image credit: NASA)<\/p>\n We are noe about 2 hours into the 7-hour moon observation period<\/a>. The astronauts are observing the moon in pairs over a primary 5-hour observing campaign. While two astronauts observe the moon, the other two are doing other activies aboard Orion.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The crew has reached a “crew swap” point, with Reid Wiseman and Jeremy Hansen serving as primary window observers, with Glover and Koch supporting them. They wil swap places in about 30 minutes.<\/p>\n Tariq Malik<\/p>\n Editor-in-Chief, Space.com<\/p>\n 2026-04-06T18:18:12.179Z \n The Artemis 2 crew shares a group hug in tears after naming a crater on the moon to honor the late Carroll Wiseman, wife of commander Reid Wiseman. (Image credit: NASA)<\/p>\n HOUSTON — As they flew past the Apollo 13 distance record<\/a>, mission specialist Jeremy Hansen took the mic to dedicate a one of the moon’s craters in honor of “a lost loved one.”<\/p>\n “Her name was Carroll, the spouse of Reid, the mother of Katie and Ellie,” Hansen said as the astronauts aboard began wiping their eyes. Artemis 2 commaner Reid Wiseman<\/a> tragically lost his wife to cancer in 2020. The shared a group hug as a crew, then got back to work.<\/p>\n The newly dedicated Carroll crater can be found near Glushko crater, “just to the northwest of that, at the same latitude as home,” Hansen said, adding “it’s a bright spot on the moon,” that can be seen from Earth. Wiseman’s daughters and family were reportedly in the Mission Control gallery during the flyby, NASA said.<\/p>\n Earlier, they suggested that another unnamed crater be named for their Orion ship Integrity<\/a>.<\/p>\n Josh Dinner<\/p>\n Spaceflight Writer<\/p>\n 2026-04-06T18:06:20.594Z HOUSTON — The four Artemis 2 <\/a>astronauts have officially begun their moon observations for today’s historic flyby and at 1:56 pm ET they broke the record for the farthest humans from Earth<\/a>.<\/p>\n “From the cabin of Integrity here, as we surpass the furthest distance humans have ever traveled from planet Earth, we do so in honoring the extraordinary efforts and feats of our predecessors in human space exploration,” Artemis 2 commander Reid Wiseman said. “We will continue our journey even further into space before Mother Earth succeeds in pulling us back to everything that we hold dear, but we most importantly, choose This moment to challenge this generation and the next to make sure this record is not long lived.”<\/p>\n Tariq Malik<\/p>\n Editor-in-Chief, Space.com<\/p>\n 2026-04-06T17:24:02.346Z \n A new photo captures the moon’s near side on the right (the side we see from Earth, identifiable by its dark splotches) and its far side on the left. The Artemis 2 crew are the first to see the far side with human eyes. (Image credit: NASA)<\/p>\n HOUSTON — Here we go, Space Fans, the Artemis 2 moon flyby<\/a> is nearly underway.<\/p>\n![\"Josh](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/4zNP3rgAgSsxHQPMRukgUD.jpg\")
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\nFlight Day 9: Artemis 2 astronauts wake up to ‘Lonesome Drifter’<\/p>\n![\"Monisha](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/WusvhAKwKG4TpoZXcq7nef.jpeg\")
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\nFlight Day 9: Artemis 2 Astronauts enter their final full day in spaceToday is all about packing for the final leg home.<\/p>\n![\"An](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/toTMKzKgWrZ88ihPZQAgBL.jpg\")
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\nFlight Day 8: Artemis 2 astronauts answer questions on the way home to EarthThe quartet talked about the highlights of their mission so far<\/p>\n\n<\/p>\n
\nFlight Day 8: Artemis 2 won’t break Apollo’s speed record after allBut everything remains on track for a safe return on April 10<\/p>\n![\"Map](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/LU6hNBomsKAwz6bwPKJ7Ao.jpg\")
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\nFlight Day 8: Astronauts begin stowing their gear for returnArtemis 2 astronauts have begun preparations for their return to Earth<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/6J5YZV7pApZzQgUnqBE6mC.jpg\")
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\nFlight Day 8: Artemis 2 astronauts wake up to “Under Pressure”They also got a nice message from Canadian Space Agency employees<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\nFlight Day 8: Astronauts cruise toward Earth during Flight Day 8Radiation and thruster control tests lie ahead<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\nFlight Day 7: Artemis 2’s space toilet is working OK \u2014\u00a0but there’s still a problemThe astronauts can’t vent their urine properly<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\nFlight Day 7: Artemis 2 astronauts set for deep space burn<\/p>\n![\"Tariq](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/LV56aHQLyDH5FxvXQbQr5D.jpg\")
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\nFlight Day 7: Astronauts enjoy rare off-duty break after moon flyby<\/p>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Q8n5WwY4Uuu5CE9B4E4R67.jpg\")
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\nFlight Day 7: Artemis 2 astronauts talk to the ISS crewArtemis 2 and ISS astronauts discuss their spaceflight experiences<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\nFlight Day 7: Artemis 2 crew leaves moon behind for trip home<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/S5TcZPWDFMgCTrGFNA7ZqN.jpg\")
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\nFLIGHT DAY 7: ASTRONAUTS WAKE UP TO GLASS ANIMALS<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\nFlight Day 7: Astronauts to rest up after epic moon flyby<\/p>\n![\"Earthset](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/k46rrbmBMCn7XtctgP45be.jpg\")
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\nMoon Flyby: President Trump congratulates Artemis 2 astronauts<\/p>\nJosh Dinner<\/p>\n
\nMoon Flyby: Solar eclipse on the far side of the moon comes to an end<\/p>\n![\"a](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/B7rwa2BWGYEASYC2hR8DZT.jpg\")
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\nMoon Flyby: Artemis 2 astronauts’ lunar observations end<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/rRKeYmoHUkmc9BCUcDwN6a.png\")
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\nMoon Flyby: Orion enters solar eclipse period<\/p>\n![\"a](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/eEXHnjuh2ErycZBfnVdyWW.png\")
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\nMoon Flyby: Artemis 2 signal acquired! Astronauts take lunar break<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\nMoon Flyby: Artemis 2 astronauts closest to moon, farthest from Earth<\/p>\n![\"artemis](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Jv7dLn8jihmnHTXf8joQwe.png\")
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\nMoon flyby: Artemis 2 astronauts fly behind moon, LOSS OF SIGNAL for 40 minutes<\/p>\n![\"Artemis](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/iAycNcC28jXQ5VF8CF6UbT.jpg\")
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\nMoon Flyby: Hear Artemis 2 astronauts be ‘moved’ by their moon views (video)<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\nMoon Flyby: New Artemis 2 closest moon approach, Earth distance stats! <\/p>\n
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\nMoon Flyby: Artemis 2 astronaut views have NASA scientists updating plans<\/p>\n![\"Artemis](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/rd2qNgr8ovFfKyzu76zG9Y.png\")
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\nMoon Flyby: Artemis 2 astronauts swap places for lunar observations<\/p>\n![\"artemis](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/veH54pEcBuhnsqFvUBHEdJ.png\")
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\nMoon Flyby: Artemis 2 astronauts describe views of moon from above<\/p>\n![\"artemis](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/TS3SzX3KiBA52rTfsHSydH.png\")
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\nMoon Flyby: Artemis 2 astronauts name crater for lost loved one<\/p>\n![\"Artemis](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/rAZFbVk6XDVL5DpXTybVD3.png\")
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\nMoon Flyby: Artemis 2 astronauts break record for farthest humans from Earth<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\nMoon Flyby: Artemis 2 moon flyby NASA livestream underway<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/2y4MkxtYdQJajR9XzRVxxZ.jpg\")
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