Artemis Astronauts to Study Moon's Surface with Their Eyes

NASA's Artemis mission will send astronauts on a lunar flyby to visually observe the Moon's surface.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 8:49am

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For the first time since the Apollo program, NASA's Artemis mission will send astronauts on a lunar flyby to visually observe and study the Moon's surface using only their eyes as the primary scientific instrument. The Artemis astronauts will circle the Moon on Monday, over 50 years after the first crewed lunar orbits.

Why it matters

This visual observation approach marks a shift from the highly technical, instrument-driven lunar studies of the past. The Artemis mission aims to rediscover the Moon through the direct human experience, potentially yielding new insights that could inform future robotic and crewed lunar exploration.

The details

The Artemis astronauts will perform a series of low-altitude lunar orbits, allowing them to closely observe the Moon's surface features, geology, and potential landing sites using only their eyes and visual senses. This hands-on, exploratory approach contrasts with the highly specialized scientific instruments used during the Apollo program.

  • The Artemis astronauts will begin their lunar flyby on Monday, April 8, 2026.
  • This will mark the first crewed lunar orbits since the final Apollo mission in 1972.

The players

Artemis

NASA's current program to return humans to the Moon, building on the legacy of the Apollo program.

NASA

The United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the government agency responsible for the Artemis lunar exploration program.

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What they’re saying

“We're excited to return to the Moon and experience it firsthand, using our own senses to study its surface. This will be a transformative moment in lunar exploration.”

— Jeanette Epps, Artemis Astronaut

What’s next

After the lunar flyby, the Artemis astronauts will return to Earth and share their visual observations with NASA scientists, who will analyze the data to inform future robotic and crewed missions to the Moon.

The takeaway

The Artemis program's focus on direct human observation of the lunar surface marks a shift in NASA's approach to Moon exploration, emphasizing the value of the astronaut's own senses and experiences in unlocking new insights about Earth's natural satellite.