Astronauts Share Awe-Inspiring Experiences from Artemis II Lunar Flyby

As we near the end of our nine-day mission aboard NASA's Orion spacecraft, the memories of flying beyond the Moon are still vivid. Witnessing Earth disappear behind the Moon was surreal, with the atmosphere and lunar terrain projected across our home planet. This mission took us further than any humans have traveled, into a 40-minute radio blackout, where we shared maple cookies and reflected on our extraordinary journey.

The lunar flyby, particularly the moment we entered the Moon's shadow, was a highlight. Despite launching with only 20% of the far side illuminated, the cosmic alignment allowed us to witness a rare eclipse. The sight of the Moon's terminator, with its endless craters and towering peaks, was breathtaking.

Our journey has been documented through images beamed back via Orion's laser communications. As we approach Earth, our speed will increase until we reenter the atmosphere at 25,000 mph, culminating in a splashdown off Southern California. This mission, the first human trip to the Moon since 1972, is a crucial step toward future lunar landings and a permanent base.

Living in Orion has been a unique experience. The microgravity makes the cramped space feel larger, fostering a camaraderie akin to family. Our mission has nearly doubled the number of people who have traveled to the Moon's vicinity, and we cherish the teamwork and bonds we've formed.

A touching moment was dedicating a lunar crater to our commander Reid Wiseman's late wife, Carroll. This tribute was a pinnacle moment, strengthening our bond as a crew.

As we prepare for reentry, we recall the challenges faced during Artemis I, where the heat shield endured significant stress. This time, we'll adjust our reentry angle to mitigate thermal stress. The view of Earth from space, a fragile oasis in the vastness, reinforces the importance of finding joy and uplifting each other on our planet.