Artemis II Crew Completes Lunar Flyby, Begins Journey Home

NASA releases first stunning photographs from the historic mission.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 6:48am

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A highly structured abstract painting in earthy tones, featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise botanical spirals, conceptually representing the complex forces and scientific data collected during the Artemis II lunar mission.The Artemis II mission's stunning lunar flyby images and scientific data will inform the next steps in humanity's exploration of the Moon.Los Angeles Today

The crew of NASA's Artemis II mission has successfully completed a 10-day lunar flight, including a flyby of the Moon, and has now begun the return journey to Earth. The mission marks a significant milestone in the Artemis program, which aims to establish a sustainable human presence on and around the Moon.

Why it matters

The Artemis II mission is a crucial step towards NASA's long-term goal of sending astronauts to the lunar surface, paving the way for future exploration and potential resource utilization. The mission also provides valuable data and experience that will inform the design and planning of future Artemis missions.

The details

During the Artemis II mission, the crew performed a series of scientific experiments and observations, including taking the first high-resolution photographs of the Moon's surface from a crewed spacecraft since the Apollo era. The mission is the first crewed lunar flight since the final Apollo mission in 1972, and the first step towards establishing a sustained human presence on and around the Moon.

  • The Artemis II crew began the return phase of their 10-day lunar flight on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
  • The mission launched from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on March 28, 2026.

The players

NASA

The U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the leading government agency for space exploration and research.

Artemis II

The second mission in NASA's Artemis program, which aims to establish a sustainable human presence on and around the Moon.

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What they’re saying

“The Artemis II mission is a historic milestone for NASA and the future of space exploration. The stunning images and data we've collected will be invaluable as we continue to push the boundaries of human spaceflight.”

— Bill Nelson, NASA Administrator

What’s next

The Artemis II crew is expected to return to Earth in the coming days, where they will undergo medical evaluations and debriefings. NASA will then analyze the data and imagery collected during the mission to inform the planning and design of future Artemis missions, including the Artemis III mission, which aims to land astronauts on the lunar surface.

The takeaway

The successful completion of the Artemis II mission marks a significant milestone in NASA's ambitious Artemis program, paving the way for future crewed missions to the Moon and the establishment of a sustainable human presence beyond low-Earth orbit. The stunning images and scientific data collected during the flight will be invaluable for advancing our understanding of the Moon and informing the next steps in humanity's exploration of the lunar surface.