Nasa’s Artemis II crew to reach unseen far side of the Moon on flyby

NASA’s Artemis II crew are expected to reach their destination on Monday where the four astronauts aboard the Orion will – for the first time – look at the lunar far side with the naked eye. The fly-by will last approximately six hours before the astronauts head back home.

6 April 2026 at 05:01 pm

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Nasa’s Artemis II crew to reach unseen far side of the Moon on flyby

NASA’s Artemis II mission is set to make history as the crew aboard the Orion spacecraft prepares to complete a groundbreaking lunar flyby. On Monday, the four astronauts on board will reach their destination, marking the first time humans will view the far side of the Moon with the naked eye. This significant milestone is part of NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to establish a sustainable presence on the Moon and pave the way for future missions to Mars.

The far side of the Moon, often referred to as the "dark side," is perpetually hidden from view on Earth due to the Moon’s synchronous rotation. This means that the same side of the Moon always faces Earth, while the far side remains invisible. The Artemis II crew’s flyby will provide an unprecedented opportunity to observe this mysterious region, which has never been seen by human eyes.

The Orion spacecraft, designed to carry astronauts to deep space, will approach the Moon’s far side at a distance of about 8,000 miles (13,000 kilometers). During the flyby, the astronauts will be able to take in the stunning view of the Moon’s surface, which is devoid of the familiar craters and maria (dark regions) seen on the near side. The far side is characterized by its rugged terrain, with high mountains, deep valleys, and vast plains, making it a scientifically rich area for exploration.

The flyby will last approximately six hours, allowing the crew ample time to document and study the lunar far side. Astronauts will use onboard cameras and sensors to capture high-resolution images and data, which will be invaluable for future missions. These observations will help scientists better understand the Moon’s geological history, composition, and potential resources, such as water ice, which could be harnessed for long-duration space exploration.

This historic flyby is a significant step forward for NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon by 2024 and establish a sustainable lunar presence by the mid-2020s. The Artemis II mission is a critical test of the Orion spacecraft and the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, which will be used for future deep-space missions. By successfully completing the lunar flyby, NASA will demonstrate its capability to conduct complex space exploration missions and pave the way for more ambitious endeavors.

The Artemis II crew consists of four astronauts: Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, Mission Specialist Christina Koch, and Mission Specialist Josh Cassada. These seasoned spacefarers have undergone extensive training to prepare for this unique mission. Their experience and expertise will be crucial in navigating the complexities of the lunar flyby and ensuring the success of the mission.

The flyby of the Moon’s far side is not only a scientific achievement but also a symbol of human curiosity and the relentless pursuit of knowledge. It represents a new era of space exploration, in which humanity is venturing further into the cosmos and rediscovering the wonders of our own celestial neighborhood. As the Artemis II crew completes their historic flyby, they will leave a lasting legacy, inspiring future generations to continue exploring the vast unknowns of the universe.

In conclusion, NASA’s Artemis II mission is poised to make history as the crew aboard the Orion spacecraft prepares to view the far side of the Moon for the first time. This groundbreaking flyby will provide invaluable scientific data and mark a significant milestone in the Artemis program’s goal of establishing a sustainable lunar presence and advancing human exploration of the cosmos. As the astronauts complete their mission, they will have not only fulfilled a historic mission but also inspired future generations to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible in space.

Source: News | Euronews RSS

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