NASA has unveiled the first images captured by astronauts aboard the Artemis II Orion capsule as they journey toward the moon.
The photographs were taken by mission commander Reid Wiseman using his Personal Computing Device, a tablet equipped with a camera, and both showcase views of Earth.
The first image was described by NASA mission control at Johnson Space Center in Houston as a “reminder that no matter how far we go, we are still one world, watching, hoping and reaching higher.”
In the photo, the sun sets behind Earth, auroras appear at the top right and bottom left, and a bright zodiacal light forms a band at the bottom right.
Another image, taken just minutes later with a shorter shutter speed, highlights Earth’s nighttime glow. NASA noted that the glow of electric lights is scattered across the planet, while sunlight traces the edge of the globe. From one of Orion’s windows, another view was described as a “pale blue dot seen through the crew’s eyes.”
The release of these images coincided with remarks from mission specialist Christina Koch during a media downlink on Day 2 of the flight.
“Having just experienced incredible views of planet Earth, and seeing the entire planet out the window in one pane, knowing that we’re about to have some similar views of the moon in that same way is definitely getting me more excited for it,” she said.
“I knew that that is what we would see. But there’s nothing that prepares you for the breathtaking aspect of seeing your home planet both lit up bright as day and also the moon glow on it at night, with the beautiful beam of the sunset. And knowing that we’re going to get similar views of the moon. I’m just, I’m really excited for that.”
Wiseman also reflected on the experience and said, “There was a moment about an hour ago where Mission Control Houston reoriented our spacecraft as the sun was setting behind the Earth. And I don’t know what we all expected to see at that moment, but you could see the entire globe, from pole to pole. You could see Africa, Europe, and if you looked really close, you could see the northern lights. It was the most spectacular moment, and it paused all four of us in our tracks.”
He added that Orion’s windows are already dirty from constant use, as the crew has been captivated by the views. He requested procedures for cleaning them.
The astronauts were busy taking photos during a period that was supposed to include their first shared meal in space, but they delayed it to continue observing Earth.
Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen said, “We are getting just a beautiful view of the dark side of the Earth right now lit by the moon. Phenomenal. None of us can get to lunch because we’re glued to the window. We’re taking pictures. Reid said he just can’t take it anymore.”
