Historic Mission Underway
NASA’s Artemis II mission is officially in flight, marking the first crewed journey around the moon in more than 50 years. The four astronauts launched aboard the Orion spacecraft on April 1, beginning a 10-day, 685,000-mile mission designed to pave the way for future lunar landings.
First Photos from Deep Space
Newly released images from Orion show a breathtaking view of Earth from tens of thousands of miles away. The photos capture the planet as a glowing blue sphere—sometimes crescent-shaped—highlighting both daylight and nighttime regions.
Taken directly by the crew using onboard devices, the images offer a rare perspective of Earth as the spacecraft continues its journey deeper into space.
‘Phenomenal’ Views for Astronauts
Astronauts onboard say they’ve been captivated by the view. One crew member described the sight as “phenomenal,” adding that the team has been “glued to the window,” constantly taking photos instead of taking breaks.
Key Milestones Achieved
The mission has already completed its critical translunar injection burn, a maneuver that puts Orion on a path toward the moon. NASA officials called the operation “flawless,” confirming the spacecraft is now on track for its lunar flyby.
What’s Next
As Artemis II continues, the crew is expected to witness a solar eclipse around day six—another historic moment for the mission. The journey is a major step toward establishing a long-term human presence on the moon.
For the latest on the Artemis II mission, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.