The Artemis II astronauts have begun their journey back to Earth after completing a milestone-rich flyby of the Moon.
Observing the Moon for nearly seven hours, the team of four—who spent their day breaking records and making history—were treated to a view unlike any other.
Reflecting on the extraordinary views. astronaut Victor Glover said
Humans probably have not evolved to see what we’re seeing.
It is truly hard to describe. It is amazing.
Kelsey Young, the mission’s lead scientist, told the crew that their observations had already contributed valuable insights. “You really brought the Moon closer for us today,” she said, thanking the astronauts for their work.
But even after becoming the furthest humans ever to travel from Earth, their day was not over: the astronauts remained in good spirits as they took a late-night call from U.S. president Donald Trump. Praising them as “modern-day pioneers,” Trump said their mission had inspired the world and reaffirmed America’s leadership in space exploration.
