ARTEMIS II

Inside humanity's return to the moon

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Artemis II Mission Images & Videos (2026)

Artemis II (April 1–11, 2026) is NASA's first crewed lunar flyby since Apollo 17 in 1972. Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialists Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen orbited the Moon aboard the Orion spacecraft, capturing unprecedented imagery of Earthset, the lunar far side, and deep space. This gallery presents 42 real NASA photographs and 7 mission videos in an interactive 3D experience.

Earthset & Earth Views

The crew captured Earth from distances no human had seen since 1972 — crescent phases, auroras, zodiacal light, and the historic Earthset sequence where Earth sets behind the lunar limb at 6:41 PM EDT on April 6, just minutes before loss of signal behind the Moon.

Lunar Far Side & Surface

For the first time, humans observed the entire Orientale basin — a 600-mile-wide crater straddling the near and far sides. Close-ups at 400mm revealed Vavilov Crater, the South Pole-Aitken basin, and dramatic terminator shadows across ancient terrain.

Orion Spacecraft & Operations

Orion captured selfies from its solar array wing cameras, performed proximity operations with the SLS upper stage, and tested WiFi transfer rates between exterior cameras — demonstrating capabilities for future Artemis missions.

Artemis II Crew Life

Life aboard Orion: Wiseman, Glover, Koch, and Hansen looking back at Earth, exercising on the flywheel, shaving before lunar flyby, and resting in sleeping bags — intimate moments from humanity's return to deep space.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Artemis II mission?+
Artemis II is NASA's first crewed mission to the Moon since Apollo 17 in December 1972. Launched on April 1, 2026, from Kennedy Space Center, the four-person crew flew the Orion spacecraft around the far side of the Moon on a 10-day mission, reaching a closest approach on April 6 before returning safely to Earth.
Who are the Artemis II crew members?+
The Artemis II crew consists of Commander Reid Wiseman (NASA), Pilot Victor Glover (NASA), Mission Specialist Christina Koch (NASA), and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen from the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). Hansen is the first non-American to fly on a lunar mission.
What is Earthset?+
Earthset is the phenomenon where Earth appears to set behind the Moon's horizon (called the lunar limb) as seen from a spacecraft. The Artemis II crew captured this at 6:41 PM EDT on April 6, 2026, three minutes before Orion passed behind the Moon and lost contact with Earth for 40 minutes.
What images were captured during Artemis II?+
The crew captured photographs of Earth from deep space (crescent phases, auroras, zodiacal light), the historic Earthset sequence, the lunar far side including Orientale basin and South Pole-Aitken basin, close-up crater photography at 400mm focal length, and crew life aboard the Orion spacecraft. This gallery features 42 photographs and 7 mission videos.
What is Orientale basin?+
Orientale basin is a nearly 600-mile-wide multi-ring impact crater that straddles the Moon's near and far sides. Artemis II marked the first time humans observed the entire basin. The crew suggested names for two newly identified craters within view — Integrity and Carroll.