Astronauts aboard the Artemis II mission are nearing the Moon, poised to venture farther from Earth than any humans before. The crew launched on Wednesday and is expected to reach the far side of the Moon on Monday.
This historic flyby, the first crewed lunar mission in over 50 years, promises groundbreaking achievements in spaceflight and exploration. The team is set to break the record for maximum range from Earth as they enter the ‘lunar sphere of influence’ overnight on Sunday.
The mission will document never-before-seen views of the Moon’s far side and includes a period of radio silence. Striking images of Earth have already been sent back as the crew continues on course.
Artemis II is a key step toward a long-term return to the Moon and future crewed missions to Mars.