Artemis ii completes lunar flyby without hitches

The Artemis II spacecraft successfully completed a lunar flyby without any issues, capturing stunning images of the Moon's surface during its approximately six and a half hour journey.

Historic earthrise photo expected

A carefully choreographed observation plan allowed the crew to take hundreds, if not thousands, of photos during the mission. Among these is an updated version of the iconic Earthrise photograph, taken during the Apollo 8 mission in 1968. The high-resolution image promises to be breathtaking when it's finally released.

However, it's crucial to be cautious when seeking out these images. With limited bandwidth during the flyby, the crew couldn't transmit high-res photos in real-time. Instead, they'll be shared in the coming days as the spacecraft approaches Earth.

Record-breaking distance achieved

Furthest from Earth, the Artemis II crew held the record at 406,773 kilometers, surpassing the previous mark set by Apollo 13 in 1970 by 6,602 kilometers. The spacecraft also reached a minimum altitude of 6,545 kilometers above the lunar surface, providing an unprecedented view of the Moon's hidden side.

Before the flyby officially began, the crew requested the opportunity to name two previously unnamed craters. One honors the Integrity spacecraft, while the other pays tribute to Reid Wiseman's late wife, Carroll Taylor. The emotional moment touched the hearts of the astronauts and their families.