Artemis II Astronauts Set to Explore the Moon's Far Side
The Artemis II mission aims to investigate the Moon's far side, gathering crucial data for future lunar exploration while capturing stunning images of Earth.
Summary
The upcoming Artemis II mission will see astronauts exploring the Moon's far side, a region that has remained largely uncharted.
This mission, scheduled for launch on April 4, 2026, marks NASA's first crewed journey to the lunar surface since the Apollo program.
In addition to scientific investigations, the crew is expected to capture breathtaking images of Earth during their journey around the Moon.
Key Facts
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Mission Name | Artemis II |
| Launch Date | 2026-04-04 |
| First Crewed Mission | Yes |
Updates
Update at 20:11 UTC on 2026-04-06
NPR News reported The astronauts on Artemis II will observe parts of the moon rarely seen by human eyes. A NASA planetary scientist said it will offer a vital perspective for lunar research.
Sources: NPR News
Update at 20:40 UTC on 2026-04-06
The Verge reported Artemis II is capturing images of the far side of the Moon, partially visible here, which can’t be seen from Earth. | Image: NASA A few minutes before 2PM ET on Monday, the crew of Artemis II broke a record set 56 years.
Sources: The Verge
Update at 14:38 UTC on 2026-04-21
France 24 reported The crew of NASA’s Artemis II mission captured extraordinary images of our home planet during their journey around the far side of the Moon. During an Earthset, the planet appears to sink below the lunar horizon.
Sources: France 24