The Artemis II astronauts are travelling back to Earth after their historic lunar flyby, sharing souvenirs and vivid accounts of their journey that have captivated colleagues on the ground and in orbit.
Among the highlights is a breathtaking image of an “Earthset” — when Earth sinks below the Moon’s rugged horizon.
The photograph deliberately echoes the iconic Earthrise captured during the Apollo 8 mission in 1968, which helped ignite global fascination as humans first journeyed around the Moon.
The modern image, released by NASA and the White House, contrasts the fragile blue Earth with the stark curve of the lunar surface, separated by black space.
On Tuesday afternoon, the four-member crew briefed lunar scientists at mission control in Houston, describing what they observed during nearly seven hours studying the Moon.
“Our whole lunar science team and the broader science community have been pouring out positive feedback and gratitude, so know that what you did yesterday really made a difference scientifically,” said Kelsey Young.
Speaking later, Young added that “spirits are very high.”
“We did what we set out to do.” The crew — Reid Wiseman, Christina Koch, Victor Glover and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen — orbited Earth’s natural satellite as part of preparations for a potential Moon landing by 2028.
After completing the flyby and setting a new record for distance from Earth, they are now returning home, with splashdown scheduled in the Pacific Ocean off the California coast late Friday.
During their return, the astronauts also connected with colleagues aboard the International Space Station. “It’s fun to be up in space with you at the same time!” Hansen said. NASA confirmed they will also speak with their families again later.
Screams of delight
The astronauts described lunar surface features in remarkable detail and observed a solar eclipse as the Moon passed in front of the Sun. They also witnessed flashes caused by meteor impacts on the Moon.
“Humans probably have not evolved to see what we’re seeing,” said Glover. “It is truly hard to describe. It is amazing.”
Young said there were “audible screams of delight” in NASA’s Science Evaluation Room as scientists listened to the crew’s observations.
Late Monday, the astronauts received a congratulatory call from NASA administrator Jared Isaacman and US President Donald Trump, who praised their achievement.
“You’ve really inspired the entire world,” Trump said, describing them as “modern-day pioneers” who have “a lot of courage.”
He asked about their most memorable moments and their experience during a 40-minute communications blackout with Earth.
The call itself briefly faced a technical glitch, as Trump waited while the astronauts appeared unable to hear him. “Might have gotten cut off,” Trump said afterwards. “It is a long distance.”
Historic journey
The Artemis II team broke the distance record set by the 1970 Apollo 13 mission, which they surpassed by more than 4,000 miles (more than 6,000 kilometers) when they reached the journey’s furthest distance from Earth 252,756 miles (406,771 kilometers).
Glover became the first person of colour to travel around the Moon, Koch the first woman, and Hansen the first non-American to complete such a journey.
Their Orion spacecraft is now following a free-return trajectory towards Earth ahead of its planned ocean splashdown.
Administrator Isaacman said the ship that will recover the astronauts has left port en route to the meeting point.
