Arun has been associated with India International Times since 2018 and he has been a key reporter in covering science and space related stories. He can be reached at arunKnn@indiainternationaltimes.com.
At 10:53 p.m. EDT, the Orion spacecraft executed a brief nine-second thruster burn, increasing its velocity by 5.3 feet per second and nudging the Artemis II crew further along their return path to Earth.
With the maneuver complete, the crew has now crossed the halfway mark on their journey home.
Temporary Signal Loss Resolved
Roughly two hours before the burn, mission teams encountered an unexpected return link loss of signal during a data rate transition, briefly disrupting the flow of communications and telemetry from the spacecraft.
Two-way contact was subsequently restored, allowing flight controllers and crew to resume preparations for the scheduled maneuver without further delay.
art002e016204 (April 6, 2026) – NASA astronaut and Artemis II Pilot Victor Glover pictured here in the Orion spacecraft during the Artemis II lunar flyby. Glover and his fellow crewmates spent approximately seven hours taking turns at the Orion windows capturing science data to share with their team back on Earth. At closest approach, they came within 4,067 miles of the Moon’s surface.NASA
Re-Entry Briefings And Next Steps
Earlier in the day, officials from NASA provided additional details on re-entry and splashdown procedures during a mission status briefing.
The next key milestone—a third return trajectory correction burn—is planned for April 10 at approximately 1:53 p.m., ahead of final re-entry operations.
Splashdown Target Remains On Track
NASA continues to target splashdown at 8:07 p.m. (5:07 p.m. PDT) on Friday, April 10, off the coast of San Diego, as the Artemis II mission enters its final phase of return.
Dan Florez is one of the NASA test directors for the Exploration Ground Systems Program. The test directors are a group of 20 engineers at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida who plan and execute integrated testing for Artemis missions. Their work includes developing timelines and procedures for launch countdown, propellant loading, emergency egress, pad and launch abort scenarios, recovery operations, and more. They help lead the ground systems team in all areas of testing.
At the time of Artemis I launch, Florez and his fellow test directors had already developed the launch countdown timelines for Artemis II.
“We were really focused on loading that spacecraft with cryogenic propellants and successfully launching it. With Artemis II, we’re going to have to do all that again, but in the middle of that, we’re going to have to embed the crew timeline to get the crew safely inside the spacecraft, get all the systems checked out, and launch them into space,” Florez said. “And we have to do the same thing on the tail end through recovery. So, there’s a lot of complexities when you have the human element thrown into the operation.”
Since Artemis I, Florez has focused his work even more heavily on the human element, taking on rescue and recovery operations.
“We have to have a plan to go get to the crew if we have an abort, if we land anywhere in the world within 24 hours,” said Florez. “My role right now is to do a lot of that coordination to make sure we have all the assets and all the resources in place to get to the crew.”
When the Artemis II crew returns to Earth aboard the Orion spacecraft, Florez will be there, prepared and ready with NASA’s Landing and Recovery Team and the U.S. military.
“We have a great partnership with the military. We have the Human Spaceflight Support Office within the Air Force that support us directly for not just for recovery operations, but also for any of the rescue operations”.
Dan Florez, NASA Test Director, Exploration Ground Systems Program
Recovery operations are routinely verified and validated in what is called an underway recovery test. NASA and Navy teams board a U.S. Navy ship and travel off the coast of San Diego to test retrieving the capsule and getting the crew safely on the ship. In late February 2024, the Artemis II crew joined the recovery team’s eleventh iteration of testing called, URT-11.
“It was really great to have that perspective of having astronauts in the loop during our test operations,” said Florez. “Everywhere along the way, we got feedback from them.”
Artemis II launched at 6:35 p.m. EDT April 1, from Launch Complex 39B, sending NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen, on their approximately 10-day mission around the Moon.
A wave breaks inside the well deck of USS Somerset as teams work to recover the Crew Module Test Article (CMTA), a full scale replica of the Orion spacecraft, as they practice Artemis recovery operations during Underway Recovery Test-12 off the coast of California, Thursday, March 27, 2025. NASA/Joel Kowsky
Florez and his colleagues are prepared and ready to apply everything they tested to recover the crew.
“Watching them launch is going to be great. I’m going to be happier when they land”.
Dan Florez, NASA Test Director, Exploration Ground Systems Program
The acquisition of the radio frequency signal from the Artemis II crewed mission to the Moon by NASA’s Deep Space Network (DSN) is indicated by the peak in the data signal shown below on the computer screen.
Credits: NASA/JPL-Caltech
Soon after the mission’s launch on April 1, 2026, at 6:35 p.m. EDT, NASA’s Near Space Network led communications with the Orion capsule. Then, communications were handed off to the DSN, marking the first time in over 50 years that the network would be communicating with a crewed spacecraft traveling through deep space.
The Space Flight Operations Facility at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California (where this photo was taken) operates the DSN, which comprises three complexes in Goldstone, California; Madrid, Spain; and Canberra, Australia. Each complex consists of several radio frequency antennas that communicate with dozens of robotic spacecraft exploring the solar system in addition to the Artemis II mission.
A graphical representation of the Deep Space Network’s radio frequency antennas indicate signal acquisition from NASA’s Artemis II mission to the Moon on April 1, 2026, inside the Space Flight Operations Facility at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California. Two antennas at the Madrid Deep Space Communications Complex, Deep Space Station 54 and 56, can be seen communicating with Artemis II (the signals are labelled “EM2”, short for “Exploration Mission 2”; elsewhere they are labelled “ART2” for “Artemis II”).
A similar visualization can be found at DSN Now, which details all the missions that the network is communicating with 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
NASA
The DSN is managed by JPL for the agency’s Space Communications and Navigation program, which is located at NASA Headquarters within the Space Operations Mission Directorate. The DSN allows missions to track, send commands to, and receive scientific data from faraway spacecraft. JPL is managed by Caltech in Pasadena, California, for NASA.
Blanca Renteria, operations chief for the Artemis Deep Space Network (DSN), monitored incoming data from the Space Flight Operations Facility at Jet Propulsion Laboratory shortly after Artemis II lifted off on April 1, 2026.
The launch took place at 6:35 p.m. EDT from Kennedy Space Center, with mission control teams quickly transitioning to deep space communication support.
The Space Flight Operations Facility manages NASA’s DSN, a worldwide system consisting of three primary complexes located in Goldstone, California; Madrid, Spain; and Canberra, Australia.
Each site is equipped with multiple radio-frequency antennas that maintain continuous communication with numerous robotic missions across the solar system, alongside the crewed Artemis II spacecraft.
NASA
Backbone Of Deep Space Communication
The DSN is operated by JPL under NASA’s Space Communications and Navigation programme, based at the agency’s headquarters within the Space Operations Mission Directorate.
This network enables mission teams to track spacecraft, transmit commands, and receive scientific data across vast distances. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory itself is managed by the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, California, on behalf of NASA.
A container of “lucky peanuts” was placed above workstations inside the Space Flight Operations Facility at Jet Propulsion Laboratory ahead of the Artemis II launch on April 1, 2026.
The quirky ritual—eating peanuts before major mission events—has long been observed at JPL, seen by teams as a symbol of good fortune before critical operations.
Control Centre Behind Deep Space Communication
The Space Flight Operations Facility oversees NASA’s Deep Space Network (DSN), a global communication system comprising three major complexes located in Goldstone, California; Madrid, Spain; and Canberra, Australia.
Each site houses multiple radio-frequency antennas that maintain constant contact with dozens of spacecraft across the solar system, including the crewed Artemis II mission.
NASA
A Critical Link To Spacecraft
Managed by JPL under NASA’s Space Communications and Navigation programme, the DSN operates from the agency’s headquarters within the Space Operations Mission Directorate.
The network plays a vital role in tracking spacecraft, transmitting commands, and receiving scientific data from distant missions. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory itself is run by the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, California, on behalf of NASA.
Also Read:
JPL’s Mission Control Steps Up For Artemis II Deep Space Operations
Inside the Space Flight Operations Facility at Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the Artemis II mission took center stage on April 1, 2026, moments before liftoff. The central display featured the mission patch, while adjacent screens mapped real-time activity across the agency’s Deep Space Network (DSN), with active antennas highlighted as they transmitted and received signals.
From Launch To Deep Space Communication
Shortly after launch at 6:35 p.m. EDT from Kennedy Space Center, initial communications were managed through NASA’s Near Space Network.
Control was then handed over to the DSN, marking a significant milestone—the first time in more than five decades that the network was tasked with maintaining contact with a crewed spacecraft journeying through deep space.
Credits: NASA/JPL-Caltec
A Global Network Tracking The Mission
The DSN, operated from the Space Flight Operations Facility, consists of three major complexes located in Goldstone, California; Madrid, Spain; and Canberra, Australia.
Each site houses multiple high-powered radio antennas, forming a global system capable of maintaining continuous communication with spacecraft across the solar system—including Artemis II.
The Backbone Of Space Communication
Managed by JPL under NASA’s Space Communications and Navigation programme at headquarters, the DSN serves as a critical link between Earth and deep-space missions.
It enables mission teams to track spacecraft, transmit commands, and receive scientific data from vast distances. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory itself is operated by the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, California, on behalf of NASA.
On their final full day in space, the Artemis II crew began the morning with “Lonesome Drifter” by Charley Crockett as their spacecraft closed in on Earth from a distance of 147,337 miles.
Astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch of NASA, along with Jeremy Hansen of the Canadian Space Agency, are spending the day preparing for their scheduled return on Friday, April 10. Activities include reviewing re-entry protocols and executing a trajectory correction maneuver.
Securing The Cabin For Re-Entry
Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen are leading preparations inside the capsule, securing loose equipment, removing storage netting, and adjusting crew seating configurations for re-entry.
The crew will also assess updated weather forecasts, recovery team readiness, and the mission timeline. Simultaneously, they are reviewing post-landing procedures to ensure a smooth transition once back on Earth.
Artemis II infographic showcasing the missions entry, descent, and landing milestones. This graphic was presented by Artemis II Flight Director Rick Henfling during the mission status briefing to the media and public on April 8, 2026 at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.NASA
Trajectory Correction Burn
A key maneuver is scheduled for 9:53 p.m. EDT, when Orion’s thrusters will fire for a second return trajectory correction burn.
This adjustment is designed to fine-tune the spacecraft’s path toward Earth and align it precisely for atmospheric entry. During the burn, Jeremy Hansen will oversee procedure execution and monitor navigation and propulsion systems.
Infographic featuring the Artemis II Orion lofted entry sequence. This graphic was presented by Artemis II Flight Director Rick Henfling during the mission status briefing to the media and public on April 8, 2026 at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. NASA
Countdown To Splashdown
Ground teams are making final preparations for splashdown, expected around 8:07 p.m. (5:07 p.m. PDT) on April 10 off the coast of San Diego.
The re-entry sequence will begin with the separation of Orion’s service module at approximately 7:33 p.m., followed by a final trajectory adjustment at 7:37 p.m. The spacecraft will then execute roll maneuvers and accelerate to nearly 23,864 mph before entering Earth’s atmosphere.
A communications blackout is expected at 7:53 p.m. as plasma builds up around the capsule, lasting about six minutes. During this phase, astronauts may experience forces up to 3.9 Gs.
Infographic displaying the Artemis II Orion parachute sequence. This graphic was presented by Artemis II Flight Director Rick Henfling during the mission status briefing to the media and public on April 8, 2026 at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. NASA
Parachute Deployment And Landing
After re-establishing communication, Orion will jettison its forward bay cover and deploy drogue parachutes at around 22,000 feet. Main parachutes will follow at approximately 6,000 feet, slowing the capsule for a safe ocean landing.
Ground track map displaying the Artemis II Orion parachute sequence. This graphic was presented by Artemis II Flight Director Rick Henfling during the mission status briefing to the media and public on April 8, 2026 at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. NASA
Recovery And Return To Houston
Within two hours of splashdown, the crew will be retrieved and transported to the USS John P. Murtha via helicopter.
Once aboard, astronauts will undergo initial medical evaluations before returning to shore and boarding a flight to Johnson Space Center in Houston for post-mission debriefing and recovery.
U.S. Navy MH-60 Seahawks from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23 are seen arriving on the flight deck of USS John P. Murtha as they prepare to conduct air operations training as NASA, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Air Force teams prepare for the the return of the Artemis II crewmembers to Earth, Monday, April 6, 2026, in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California. NASA’s Artemis II mission is taking NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, commander; Victor Glover, pilot; Christina Koch, mission specialist; and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen, mission specialist on a 10-day journey around the Moon and back aboard their Orion spacecraft. Wiseman, Glover, Koch, and Hansen are scheduled to splash down off the coast of San Diego at approximately 5:07 p.m. PDT (8:07 p.m. EDT) on Friday, April 10. NASA/Bill Ingalls
Artemis II (launched April 1, 2026) successfully completed its historic crewed lunar flyby on April 6, 2026. The four-person crew NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman (Commander), Victor Glover (Pilot), Christina Koch (Mission Specialist), and Jeremy Hansen (CSA Mission Specialist) became the first humans to view the Moon’s far side in over 50 years, traveled farther from Earth than any previous crew (surpassing Apollo 13’s record at ~252,000+ miles), and are now on their return journey.
Splashdown is scheduled for Friday, April 10, 2026 (evening) in the Pacific Ocean off San Diego.
Recent Media Updates (as of April 9, 2026): The crew has been actively sharing experiences via live calls, press conferences from Orion, and transmitted images/footage while heading back to Earth.
LIVE: Artemis II astronauts answer media questions as they continue their journey toward Earth following their record-breaking lunar flyby. https://t.co/iAN74RMaRk
Return journey underway
The crew has completed the lunar flyby and is now on a gravity-assisted return trajectory to Earth, with splashdown expected in the Pacific.
Record-breaking distance achieved
Astronauts travelled over 252,000 miles from Earth, becoming the farthest humans ever in space, surpassing Apollo-era records.
Historic firsts during return
Crew made a record “space-to-space” call with the ISS, spanning ~230,000 miles — a first in human spaceflight.
Emotional reflections from space
Astronauts described the mission as a “relay race” for future explorers, emphasizing lessons for upcoming lunar missions.
Rare space phenomena observed
Witnessed a solar eclipse from the Moon’s far side, an experience crew said was “breathtaking”.
Scientific work continues during return
Ongoing experiments include studying the solar corona, monitoring meteoroid impacts, and testing astronaut health systems for re-entry.
Iconic imagery released
NASA shared first-ever human-captured views of the Moon’s far side, including Earthrise and eclipse visuals.
Symbolic gestures & legacy moments
Crew proposed naming lunar craters “Integrity” (after their Orion spacecraft) and “Carroll” (after Wiseman’s late wife).
Preparation for re-entry
Astronauts are now stowing equipment and conducting trajectory corrections ahead of a high-speed atmospheric re-entry.
Mission significance
The mission is seen as a critical stepping stone for future Moon landings and Mars missions, with data feeding into upcoming Artemis flights. The mission has been a major success so far, paving the way for future Artemis landings.
NASA’s Artemis II mission is drawing support from a pair of nearly identical control rooms in Alabama, each playing a distinct role in keeping astronauts safe and operations on track as the crew heads back to Earth, Friday, April 10.
At the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, two facilities, the Lunar Utilization Control Area (LUCA) and the Lander Engineering Support Area (LESA), are working in tandem during the mission. Both are housed within the Huntsville Operations Support Center, a hub designed to provide real-time technical and scientific support.
Though similar in appearance, the two rooms serve different purposes. LUCA focuses on science operations linked to Artemis, while LESA is geared toward engineering support, particularly for future missions that will land astronauts on the Moon.
LUCA (Lunar Utilization Control Area) at NASA Marshall is specially designed to support a wide variety of science operations on and around the Moon – and beyond. Engineers in the LUCA monitored operations for the Lunar Node-1 experiment, an autonomous navigation payload that was part of the first NASA Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) launch on Intuitive Machines’ Nova-C lunar lander in 2024. NASA Marshall flight controllers will use the LUCA again for Artemis II to monitor science operations. NASA/Charles Beason
Officials say the flexibility of the Huntsville center allows it to adapt to evolving mission needs. The facility has previously supported programs including the Commercial Crew Program, the Space Launch System rocket and research aboard the International Space Station.
Teams operating from LUCA are currently supporting science experiments tied to deep space conditions. These include studies examining how microgravity and radiation affect the human body, including immune response and overall performance. Data gathered during Artemis II is expected to shape planning for future crewed missions beyond Earth orbit.
Support engineers will use the LESA (Lander Engineering Support Area) at NASA Marshall to monitor human landing system (HLS) for the first crewed Artemis missions. NASA/Charles Beason
In parallel, LESA teams are monitoring Artemis II operations in real time, using the mission as a live test case to refine procedures ahead of future lunar landings. Engineers, safety specialists and flight operations experts form part of the Human Landing System Mission Insight Support Team, which will eventually play a central role in supporting lander systems during Moon missions.
The Huntsville Operations Support Center also provides a range of technical services, including spacecraft command and telemetry management, global voice communications, and live and recorded video support. It also deploys specialized software tools that enable seamless data exchange between systems located far apart, allowing teams across different locations to work in sync.
By integrating these capabilities into both LUCA and LESA, NASA enables continuous coordination between engineers, scientists and mission operators worldwide.
Artemis II, which recently carried astronauts around the Moon, is part of NASA’s broader Artemis program aimed at returning humans to the lunar surface. The program is also intended to lay the groundwork for future missions to Mars, with lessons from current flights feeding directly into long-term exploration plans.
Artemis II moved into another critical phase of its return journey as the crew began Flight Day 8 with a focus on testing systems and preparing for reentry.
Aboard the Orion spacecraft, named Integrity, the four astronauts woke to music and a message from the Canadian Space Agency. At the start of the day, they were about 200,278 miles from Earth and 83,549 miles from the Moon, steadily closing the distance after their lunar flyby.
The crew, NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch, along with CSA astronaut Jeremy Hansen, began the day with their routine exercise session. Using a flywheel device, they performed a mix of aerobic and resistance workouts designed to counter the physical effects of microgravity. The system relies on a cable-based mechanism that enables movements such as rowing, squats and deadlifts.
Moon Joy art002e013367 (April 7, 2026) – The Artemis II crew – (clockwise from left) Mission Specialist Christina Koch, Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen, Commander Reid Wiseman, and Pilot Victor Glover – take time out for a group hug inside the Orion spacecraft on their way home. Following a swing around the far side of the Moon on April 6, 2026, the crew exited the lunar sphere of influence (the point at which the Moon’s gravity has a stronger pull on Orion than the Earth’s) on April 7, and are headed back to Earth for a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean on April 10. The crew was selected in April 2023, and have been training together for their mission for the past three years. Image Credit: NASA
Attention then shifted to a key physiological test.
Each astronaut is scheduled to evaluate an orthostatic intolerance garment worn beneath the Orion Crew Survival System suit. The garment is designed to help regulate blood pressure and circulation as the body readjusts to gravity. After extended periods in space, some astronauts experience dizziness or fainting when standing, a condition linked to reduced cardiovascular adaptation. The compression provided by the garment aims to reduce that risk and support a smoother transition during landing and recovery.
Later in the day, the crew is expected to speak with media following their recent journey around the Moon. NASA said journalists must confirm participation in advance to join the scheduled call. To join the call virtually, media must RSVP no later than 1 p.m.
(April 7, 2026) – The Artemis II crew – (clockwise from left) Mission Specialist Christina Koch, Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen, Commander Reid Wiseman, and Pilot Victor Glover – pause for a group photo with their zero gravity indicator “Rise,” inside the Orion spacecraft on their way home. Following a swing around the far side of the Moon on April 6, 2026, the crew exited the lunar sphere of influence (the point at which the Moon’s gravity has a stronger pull on Orion than the Earth’s) on April 7, and are headed back to Earth for a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean on April 10.
Operational testing will continue into the evening.
After their midday meal, the astronauts will take manual control of Orion for another piloting demonstration. Using the spacecraft’s forward viewing window, they will align with a designated target and guide the capsule into a tail-to-Sun orientation. The exercise is intended to gather additional data on Orion’s handling characteristics and its guidance, navigation and control systems.
Maintaining that orientation also helps regulate thermal conditions and supports efficient power generation through solar exposure. Similar piloting exercises were carried out earlier in the mission, including during proximity operations testing.
Preparation for the final phase of the mission is already underway.
Crew members and flight controllers are expected to begin configuring the cabin for reentry, securing equipment and installing seats ahead of splashdown. NASA said teams decided to skip a previously planned shielding deployment demonstration in order to prioritize entry readiness.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is targeting splashdown at 8:07 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday, April 10, in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego. Officials said updates on weather and recovery operations will continue through daily mission briefings broadcast on the agency’s official channels.
Artemis II marked a key step in its return to Earth late Tuesday, as the Orion spacecraft fired its engines to fine-tune its path home.
At 8:03 p.m. Eastern Time, Orion, named Integrity, performed its first return trajectory correction burn. The 15-second firing adjusted the spacecraft’s velocity by 1.6 feet per second, a small but critical change that aligned the crew’s course back toward Earth. NASA astronaut Christina Koch and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen oversaw the maneuver, reviewing procedures and closely tracking navigation and system data.
During a mission status briefing the same day, officials from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration released the first images captured during the crew’s lunar flyby, offering early visual data from the historic pass around the Moon. The agency also confirmed that the USS John P. Murtha (LPD-26) has departed port and is en route to a staging position in the Pacific Ocean, where it will support recovery operations following splashdown.
NASA said it will continue to share updates on recovery logistics and weather conditions in its daily briefings.
A live view shows the Orion spacecraft and its solar arrays as the Artemis II crew completed the mission’s first return correction burn on Flight Day 7.
With the burn complete, the crew is expected to rest before beginning a new round of flight objectives on Wednesday, April 8, focused on preparing for reentry.
Among the scheduled tasks is a test of an orthostatic intolerance garment, equipment designed to help astronauts regulate blood pressure and circulation as they transition from microgravity to Earth’s gravity. Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Koch and Hansen will evaluate how effectively the garment supports cardiovascular stability during the return phase.
Later in the day, the crew will take manual control of Orion as part of a piloting demonstration. Using the spacecraft’s viewing systems, they will align with a designated target and guide Orion into a tail-to-Sun orientation while comparing its control modes.
The manual piloting test is scheduled to begin at 9:59 p.m., adding another layer of real-time data to NASA’s assessment of the spacecraft’s performance during its journey home.
Astronauts aboard the International Space Station spoke with the Artemis II crew on April 8 following their lunar flyby, marking a rare ship-to-ship exchange between deep space and low Earth orbit. The Artemis II crew is returning to Earth after circling the Moon, while Expedition 74 astronauts continued biomedical research and mission training aboard the station. The interaction highlighted how ongoing ISS science supports future lunar missions under NASA’s Artemis program.
For a few minutes on Tuesday, two crews separated by hundreds of thousands of miles shared the same conversation.
Astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) connected with their counterparts on NASA’s Artemis II mission, offering a rare moment of overlap between low Earth orbit operations and deep space travel. The call came just a day after Artemis II astronauts completed a historic lunar flyby and began their journey home.
On one side were Expedition 74 crew members Chris Williams, Jack Hathaway and Jessica Meir of NASA, along with Sophie Adenot of the European Space Agency (ESA). On the other were Artemis II astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch, joined by Jeremy Hansen of the Canadian Space Agency (CSA).
The Artemis II crew is traveling aboard Orion, returning to Earth after looping around the Moon in NASA’s first crewed lunar mission in decades.
ISS and Artemis II crew exchange experiences after lunar flyby
The conversation turned quickly to comparison.
Station astronauts asked about differences between spacecraft, while Artemis II crew members described the experience of seeing the Moon up close. Christina Koch, drawing on her own time aboard the ISS, linked the two missions directly.
“Every single thing that we learned on ISS is up here,” Koch said, referring to how station-based training translates to deep space operations.
The exchange underscored a key role of the ISS within the Artemis program. The orbiting laboratory functions as a proving ground where astronauts refine procedures, test systems and adapt to long-duration spaceflight before venturing farther from Earth.
For NASA and its partners, that continuity is central. The Artemis II mission builds on lessons accumulated over years of station operations.
The Artemis II crew – (clockwise from left) Mission Specialist Christina Koch, Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen, Commander Reid Wiseman, and Pilot Victor Glover – pause for a group photo with their zero gravity indicator “Rise,” inside the Orion spacecraft on their way home. Following a swing around the far side of the Moon on April 6, 2026, the crew exited the lunar sphere of influence (the point at which the Moon’s gravity has a stronger pull on Orion than the Earth’s) on April 7, and are headed back to Earth for a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean on April 10.
Space station biomedical research supports Artemis and future missions
While the call captured public attention, the station’s daily schedule remained anchored in research.
Crew members conducted a series of biomedical scans using the Ultrasound 3 device, focusing on how spaceflight affects the human body. Doctors on the ground monitored the scans in real time, looking for signs of blood clots that can form in leg veins and travel to the lungs.
Such risks have become a growing area of study as missions extend beyond short orbital stays. Data collected aboard the ISS feeds directly into planning for longer journeys, including missions to the Moon and eventually Mars.
Jessica Meir also contributed to the RelaxPro investigation, an ESA-sponsored study examining stress and immune responses in space. She collected saliva and hair samples that researchers will analyze on Earth for hormonal and immune markers.
The study explores whether mindfulness and meditation techniques can improve sleep quality and reduce stress during long-duration missions.
Cargo mission training and robotic systems testing on ISS
Operational training continued alongside scientific work.
Williams and Hathaway simulated the capture of the Cygnus XL cargo spacecraft using the Canadarm2 robotic system. Mission planners are targeting April 10 for the launch of the resupply mission aboard a **SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, which will deliver supplies and experiments to the station.
Elsewhere, Sophie Adenot worked inside the Japanese Kibo laboratory module, setting up a compact experimental robotic arm known as TUSK. The system is being tested for precise movements at sub-millimeter levels in microgravity, a capability that could support delicate operations in future missions.
Adenot later joined fellow astronauts for emergency response simulations, rehearsing procedures designed to prepare crews for unexpected situations in orbit.
Roscosmos crew studies teamwork and fitness in orbit
Russian crew members also focused on research tied to long-duration missions.
Station commander Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and flight engineer Sergei Mikaev, both representing Roscosmos, participated in experiments examining team dynamics and physical conditioning in space. One study involved progressively complex computer tasks requiring cooperation, allowing researchers to observe how crews adapt to working together in confined environments.
The findings may influence crew training for future missions beyond Earth orbit.
Kud-Sverchkov later completed a monitored exercise session using an onboard cycle, while Mikaev assisted with health data collection.
Meanwhile, Andrey Fedyaev continued training with the European robotic arm inside the Nauka module, practicing both primary and backup control modes to ensure operational readiness.
The day’s activities reflected a layered mission environment.
On one level, astronauts pushed the boundaries of human spaceflight, exchanging insights between deep space and orbit. On another, they maintained a steady cadence of experiments and training that will shape future exploration.
The Artemis II crew moves farther from the Moon with each passing hour. The ISS crew remains in orbit, continuing work that helps make those journeys possible.
NASA’s Artemis II crew began their return journey to Earth on April 7 after completing a historic lunar flyby a day earlier. The crew, traveling aboard the Orion spacecraft about 236,000 miles from Earth, exited the Moon’s gravitational influence and initiated return procedures. The mission includes a call with International Space Station astronauts, scientific debriefs, and a planned trajectory correction burn to refine their path home.
The Artemis II crew woke to music and a long journey ahead.
Less than 24 hours after looping around the Moon, four astronauts aboard NASA’s Orion spacecraft began the slow pivot back toward Earth. They started Flight Day 7 roughly 236,000 miles from home, still carrying the momentum of a mission that marked humanity’s first crewed lunar flyby since Apollo-era flights more than five decades ago.
The crew of National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch, along with Canadian Space Agency (CSA) astronaut Jeremy Hansen, crossed a key threshold early in the day. At 1:23 p.m. Eastern Time, Orion exited the Moon’s sphere of influence, the region where lunar gravity dominates spacecraft motion.
That transition marked a turning point. From that moment, Earth’s gravity again became the primary force shaping Orion’s path.
A quiet shift. But a decisive one.
Lunar Selfie Midway through their lunar observation period, the Artemis II crew members – Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen – pause to turn the camera around for a selfie inside the Orion spacecraft. Image Credit: NASA
Artemis II crew ISS call with Expedition 74 astronauts
Even as the spacecraft moved farther from the Moon, the crew maintained contact with colleagues in orbit closer to Earth.
At 2:40 p.m., Artemis II astronauts connected with crew members aboard the International Space Station (ISS) for a scheduled 15-minute audio call. On the station were NASA astronauts Jessica Meir, Jack Hathaway and Chris Williams, along with European astronaut Sophie Adenot of the European Space Agency (ESA).
The exchange, broadcast via NASA’s official channels, offered a rare ship-to-ship moment between astronauts operating at vastly different distances from Earth.
Such interactions serve both technical and symbolic purposes. They allow crews to compare conditions, share observations, and reinforce coordination across missions that together define current human spaceflight.
Lunar flyby data and science debrief after close Moon pass
Attention quickly shifted from conversation to analysis.
At 3 p.m., the Artemis II crew joined science teams on the ground for a detailed debrief. The timing was deliberate. Mission planners wanted to capture observations while impressions from the lunar flyby remained fresh.
The April 6 flyby carried Orion around the far side of the Moon, a region not visible from Earth. During that pass, astronauts documented surface features, lighting conditions and spacecraft performance, data expected to support planning for future Artemis missions.
NASA has positioned Artemis II as a test flight. Its purpose extends beyond demonstration to refinement. Every observation feeds into subsequent missions, including planned crewed landings under the Artemis program.
Engineers and scientists are expected to analyze crew feedback alongside telemetry data in the coming weeks.
(April 6, 2026) – Captured by the Artemis II crew during their lunar flyby on April 6, 2026, this image shows the Moon fully eclipsing the Sun. From the crew’s perspective, the Moon appears large enough to completely block the Sun, creating nearly 54 minutes of totality and extending the view far beyond what is possible from Earth. The corona forms a glowing halo around the dark lunar disk, revealing details of the Sun’s outer atmosphere typically hidden by its brightness. Also visible are stars, typically too faint to see when imaging the Moon, but with the Moon in darkness stars are readily imaged. This unique vantage point provides both a striking visual and a valuable opportunity for astronauts to document and describe the corona during humanity’s return to deep space. The faint glow of the nearside of the Moon is visible in this image, having been illuminated by light reflected off the Earth. NASA
Orion return trajectory correction burn details and timing
The most critical maneuver of the day was scheduled for later.
At 9:03 p.m., Orion’s thrusters were set to ignite for the first of three planned return trajectory correction burns. These burns are designed to fine-tune the spacecraft’s path toward Earth, ensuring precise reentry conditions.
Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen were assigned to monitor spacecraft systems and oversee procedures during the maneuver. Such burns require exact timing and calibration, as even small deviations at this distance can translate into large trajectory changes closer to Earth.
NASA officials have described the return phase as a series of incremental adjustments rather than a single decisive action. Each burn builds on the last, gradually aligning Orion with its targeted splashdown corridor.
Between scheduled tasks, the crew was given staggered off-duty periods.
The downtime serves operational needs as much as personal ones. Rest cycles help maintain cognitive performance, particularly as the mission enters phases requiring sustained attention and procedural accuracy.
NASA scheduled a mission status briefing later in the day to provide updates on spacecraft systems, crew health and trajectory progress.
The Artemis II mission, part of NASA’s broader Artemis program, aims to reestablish human presence beyond low Earth orbit. Unlike earlier missions confined to orbital paths around Earth, Artemis II pushes into deep space, testing systems required for sustained lunar exploration.
Flight Day 7 marked a transition from exploration to return.
The Moon receded behind them. Earth, still distant, became the destination again.
An international team of scientists reported on April 7, 2026, that water on the Moon likely accumulated gradually over billions of years rather than from a single event. The study, published in Nature Astronomy, points to permanently shadowed craters near the lunar south pole as the most likely reservoirs of ice. Using data from NASA missions and simulations, researchers identified older craters as prime targets for future exploration and resource use.
For decades, scientists have known that water may exist on the Moon. What remained unclear was how it got there and why it appears unevenly spread across the surface.
A new study published April 7 in Nature Astronomy offers a clearer picture. The research suggests that lunar water did not arrive in a single dramatic event, such as a comet impact, but instead accumulated slowly over billions of years.
The study was led by Oded Aharonson of the Weizmann Institute of Science, with contributions from Paul Hayne at the University of Colorado Boulder and collaborators including Norbert Schörghofer. Their findings draw on years of observations and modeling to explain one of lunar science’s longest-standing questions.
Lunar south pole ice locations and cold traps explained
Evidence of water on the Moon has come primarily from missions led by NASA, including the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter. Instruments aboard the spacecraft detected signals consistent with ice inside deep craters near the Moon’s south pole. These craters, known as “cold traps,” remain in permanent shadow and can preserve ice for billions of years.
Observations from the orbiter’s Lyman Alpha Mapping Project instrument indicated that ice is not evenly distributed. Some craters appear rich in ice, while others show little to none. That patchy pattern has puzzled scientists for years.
The new study attempts to explain that uneven distribution by looking back at the Moon’s geological history. The researchers combined temperature data from the orbiter’s Diviner instrument with computer simulations that reconstructed how the Moon’s orientation has shifted over time.
The Moon’s tilt relative to Earth has not always been constant. As it shifted, craters that are permanently shadowed today may once have received sunlight, while others remained dark for much longer periods. This variation appears to have influenced where ice could accumulate and persist.
“It looks like the moon’s oldest craters also have the most ice,” Hayne said, noting that this pattern suggests a slow and continuous buildup of water over as much as 3 to 3.5 billion years.
How water may have formed and accumulated on the Moon
The study does not identify a single source of lunar water, but it narrows down the likely mechanisms. Researchers ruled out the idea that most of the Moon’s water arrived in one large delivery, such as a massive comet impact.
Instead, multiple processes likely contributed over time. Volcanic activity in the Moon’s distant past may have released water from its interior. Comets and asteroids could have delivered additional water through smaller impacts. Hydrogen from the solar wind may also have reacted with oxygen in lunar soil to form water molecules.
“Through the solar wind, a constant stream of hydrogen bombards the moon, and some of that hydrogen can be converted to water on the lunar surface,” Hayne said.
The researchers found that the craters that have remained in shadow the longest are also those most likely to contain ice today. One example is Haworth Crater near the Moon’s south pole, which may have been in continuous darkness for more than 3 billion years.
These findings could guide future lunar missions. Identifying where ice is most likely to be concentrated can help scientists and engineers plan landing sites and exploration strategies.
Water on the Moon is not just a scientific curiosity. It has practical implications for long-term human exploration. Ice deposits could be mined for drinking water, breathable oxygen and even rocket fuel by separating hydrogen and oxygen atoms.
“Finding water beyond Earth in liquid and usable form is one of the most important challenges in astronomy,” Aharonson said in a statement released by his institute.
Future missions aim to confirm lunar ice deposits
The study highlights the need for direct sampling to confirm the origin and distribution of lunar water. Observational data and simulations can narrow possibilities, but they cannot fully resolve the question.
Hayne and his colleagues are working on a new instrument, the Lunar Compact Infrared Imaging System, designed to study surface ice in greater detail. The instrument is expected to be deployed near the Moon’s south pole around 2027 as part of upcoming missions.
“Ultimately, the question of the source of the moon’s water will only be solved by sample analysis,” Hayne said. “We will need to go to the moon to analyze those samples there or find ways to bring them from the moon back to Earth.”
As space agencies and private companies accelerate plans for lunar exploration, the findings provide a clearer map of where to look. The Moon’s darkest craters, once seen as inaccessible voids, are emerging as some of the most valuable real estate beyond Earth.
Bank of Baroda unveiled bob SAMVAD, an AI-powered multilingual conversational platform, in Mumbai on March 28, 2026. The platform, launched by Shri M. Nagaraju of the Department of Financial Services, aims to remove language barriers between customers and bank staff across branches. It will first roll out in 250 branches across five states, with plans for nationwide expansion to improve accessibility and service delivery.
A customer walks into a bank branch in Chennai and speaks in Tamil. The staff member responds in Hindi. Neither switches languages, yet both understand each other instantly. That interaction, once dependent on human translation or guesswork, is now being positioned as routine inside branches of Bank of Baroda.
The state-owned lender introduced “bob SAMVAD,” a multilingual conversational platform built on artificial intelligence, at an event in Mumbai on March 28, 2026. The system is designed to enable real-time communication between customers and staff who may not share a common language, a persistent barrier in India’s diverse banking landscape.
The launch was led by Shri M. Nagaraju, Secretary at the Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance, the central government body that oversees public sector banks and financial institutions. He described the platform as a step toward more inclusive service delivery, particularly in regions where language differences often slow transactions or create confusion.
AI multilingual banking platform India rollout plan
Bank of Baroda said the platform has been developed entirely in-house using artificial intelligence-driven speech and language technologies. It supports two-way communication across 22 Indian languages, translating conversations in real time with what the bank described as low latency and contextual accuracy.
At the service counter, customers can speak or type queries in their preferred language. The system translates the input instantly into the staff member’s selected language. The response is then converted back for the customer. The conversation appears as text on a screen, with an optional voice feature that reads out responses for users who prefer audio.
Dr. Debadatta Chand, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Bank of Baroda, said the platform reflects a shift toward technology-led customer experience. “With bob SAMVAD, Bank of Baroda is leveraging AI to make our branches more inclusive and customer-friendly by enabling seamless real-time conversations in local languages,” Chand said. “This initiative reflects our commitment to operational excellence by combining technology with customer-centric design.” [1]
The bank plans to roll out the system in phases. In the first stage, bob SAMVAD will be deployed across 250 branches in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra. These states were selected for their linguistic diversity and large customer bases. A wider rollout across the bank’s national network is expected to follow.
India’s banking system operates across dozens of languages and dialects, often requiring staff to navigate communication gaps, particularly in rural or semi-urban branches. Public sector banks such as Bank of Baroda, which serves millions of customers across regions, have faced operational challenges linked to language barriers. The introduction of AI-led translation tools marks an attempt to standardize communication without requiring additional staffing or language training.
DFS Secretary Nagaraju comments on inclusive banking technology
Nagaraju, speaking at the launch, said the platform could improve both efficiency and accessibility. He credited the bank with using technology to address a long-standing structural issue in service delivery. “bob SAMVAD will promote more inclusive and accessible service delivery and help improve customer service at branches,” he said, adding that the initiative sets a benchmark for the banking sector. [2]
The launch also coincided with a visit by Nagaraju to “bob Forest,” a sustainability project developed at the bank’s Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) office in Mumbai. The 6,000-square-foot green space is designed to promote biodiversity and improve air quality, part of a broader set of environmental, social and governance initiatives undertaken by the bank.
Bank of Baroda has previously introduced programs such as green deposits and green bonds, aligning its operations with sustainability targets set by the government and global financial standards. The addition of bob Forest, alongside technology-driven initiatives like bob SAMVAD, reflects a dual strategy that combines digital transformation with environmental commitments.
The use of artificial intelligence in banking has expanded rapidly in recent years, covering areas such as fraud detection, customer service chatbots and risk assessment. However, real-time multilingual communication inside physical branches remains relatively underdeveloped, particularly at scale.
By integrating speech recognition, translation and text-to-speech capabilities into a single platform, Bank of Baroda is attempting to bring digital convenience into in-person banking environments. The bank said the system has been designed to maintain natural fluency in conversations while ensuring accuracy in financial queries, where misinterpretation can have direct consequences.
The effectiveness of the platform will depend on its performance under real-world conditions, including background noise, regional accents and complex financial terminology. The bank did not disclose performance metrics or independent validation of the system’s accuracy, which could not be independently verified from a second source.
Still, the initial rollout across five states will serve as a test case for broader adoption. If successful, the model could influence similar deployments across other public and private sector banks seeking to improve accessibility in a multilingual country.
For customers, the shift could mean fewer misunderstandings at the counter. For staff, it may reduce the need to rely on informal translation or multilingual colleagues. And for the banking system, it signals a push toward embedding artificial intelligence into everyday operations, not just digital interfaces but physical branches as well.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration launched four astronauts on April 2 from Kennedy Space Center in Florida aboard the Artemis II mission. The crew is set for a 10-day test flight around the Moon, marking the first human lunar flyby since the Apollo era. The mission aims to validate spacecraft systems and pave the way for future Moon landings and Mars exploration.
NASA’s Artemis II mission has marked humanity’s return to deep space, becoming the first crewed journey near the Moon since Apollo 17. Four astronauts aboard the Orion spacecraft completed a seven-hour lunar flyby, capturing detailed observations of the Moon’s far side. The crew also set a new record for the farthest distance traveled by humans, surpassing Apollo 13. During the mission, they witnessed a solar eclipse from space and observed rare meteoroid impacts on the lunar surface. The spacecraft is now on its return trajectory, while scientists analyze data collected during the flyby.
Aboard the Orion spacecraft were NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch, along with Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen who completed their lunar flyby, broke the Apollo 13 distance record (252,756 miles from Earth), and regained contact after passing the Moon’s far side.
🚀 LIVE FROM SPACE: President Donald J. Trump Calls Artemis II Astronauts After Breaking the Farthest Distance Record in Human Spaceflight 🇺🇸 HISTORIC!
“Your mission paves the way for America’s return to the lunar surface very soon.” pic.twitter.com/1TzmIEQG0l
US President Donald J.Trump calls the Artemis II Astronauts in space:
The White House shared video of President Trump phoning the Artemis II crew to congratulate them after breaking the human spaceflight distance record during their lunar flyby. Artemis II astronauts reached about 252,757 miles from Earth on April 6, 2026, surpassing Apollo 13’s 1970 mark of 248,655 miles by over 4,000 miles while passing the Moon’s far side.
Trump told the crew their mission paves the way for America’s return to the lunar surface, highlighting it as a historic step in U.S. space leadership.
Trump further said , “Thank you very much Jared and you are doing a fantastic job and hello very special hello to Artemis II. Today you’ve made history and made all America really proud, incredibly proud. We have a lot of things to be proud of lately, but there’s nothing like what you’re doing, circling around the moon for the first time in more than a half a century and breaking the all-time record for the farthest distance from planet Earth.
“Humans have really never seen anything quite like what you’re doing in a manned spacecraft. It’s really special. I wanted to congratulate each and every one of you. I want to personally salute and congratulate Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, Mission Specialist Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen, and I also want to thank the entire amazing team at NASA, headed by Jared [Isaacman], who’s a very special guy, by the way. You have made this day possible, you’ve really inspired the entire world, really, everybody’s watching it”, Trump added.
And also there were few question from Trump to Artemis Crew about the mission where Trump asked “about most unforgettable part of this really historic day, and was there any difference in feel between the far side of the moon and the near side of the Moon, to which the Astronauts explained the differences due to Earth’s gravitational pull creating dramatic variations in the lunar landscapes. They described views of the Orientale crater, a solar eclipse from space, and Earthshine.
The four astronauts aboard Artemis II closed out a landmark day in deep space Tuesday, completing a lunar flyby that carried humans farther from Earth than ever before.
NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, along with Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen, spent nearly seven hours observing the Moon as their Orion spacecraft swept past its far side. It marked the first time humans have traveled this route since Apollo 17 in December 1972.
The crew crossed a historic threshold earlier in the day. At 1:56 p.m. Eastern Time, Orion surpassed the distance record set during Apollo 13, when astronauts reached 248,655 miles from Earth during their emergency return. Two minutes after their closest lunar approach, the Artemis II crew pushed that boundary further, reaching approximately 252,756 miles from Earth.
Eclipsed: A View from Orion: The Moon, backlit by the Sun during a solar eclipse, is photographed by NASA’s Orion spacecraft on April 6, 2026, during the Artemis II mission. Orion is visible in the foreground on the left. Earth is reflecting sunlight at the left edge of the Moon, which is slightly brighter than the rest of the disk. The bright spot visible just below the Moon’s bottom right edge is Saturn. Beyond that, the bright spot at the right edge of the image is Mars. Credit: NASA Image Credit: NASA
Lunar Flyby Observations And Record-Breaking Distance
The spacecraft’s closest pass came at about 7:00 p.m., when Orion flew roughly 4,067 miles above the Moon’s surface. That maneuver occurred during a planned communications blackout, as the Moon temporarily blocked signals between the spacecraft and Earth.
While out of contact, the crew documented the lunar far side, a region never visible from Earth. They photographed impact craters, ancient lava plains, and networks of ridges and fractures shaped over billions of years. Differences in brightness and color were also noted, offering clues about the Moon’s composition and geological history.
As Orion slipped behind the Moon, the astronauts witnessed an “Earthset,” watching Earth disappear below the lunar horizon. Moments later, as the spacecraft emerged, they observed an “Earthrise,” a visual long associated with early Apollo missions.
The observations are expected to support ongoing lunar science work. NASA officials said the imagery and data collected during the flyby will help refine understanding of the Moon’s surface evolution and assist in planning future crewed missions under the Artemis program.
Starstruck art002e012588 (April 7, 2026) – A stunning snapshot in time. The Artemis II crew captured this breathtaking photo of our galaxy, the Milky Way. The Milky Way’s elegant spiral structure is dominated by just two arms wrapping off the ends of a central bar of stars. Spanning more than 100,000 light-years, Earth is located along one of the galaxy’s spiral arms, about halfway from the center. Credit: NASA Image Credit: NASA
Solar Eclipse And Rare Lunar Phenomena Recorded
Toward the end of the flyby, the alignment of the spacecraft, the Moon, and the Sun created a prolonged solar eclipse visible from Orion. For nearly an hour, the astronauts observed the Sun’s outer atmosphere, known as the corona, appearing as a halo around the Moon’s edge.
The eclipse also allowed the crew to study the Moon’s darkened surface under unique conditions. During this period, astronauts reported seeing six brief flashes of light, believed to be meteoroids striking the lunar surface at high speeds.
Such impacts occur regularly but are rarely observed directly from orbit. Scientists plan to analyze the timing and location of these flashes using spacecraft data and compare them with observations from Earth-based astronomers.
Post-Flyby Outreach And Data Analysis Begins
Following the flyby, the crew took part in a live call with Donald Trump, who congratulated the astronauts during NASA’s broadcast coverage. They also spoke with NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman and responded to questions submitted through social media platforms.
Mission teams are now preparing to receive a large volume of data transmitted from Orion. Engineers and scientists will review images, audio recordings, and telemetry collected during the flyby to identify key scientific insights and operational lessons.
NASA said the crew is scheduled to discuss their observations with the lunar science team in a live broadcast on April 7. Researchers are also expected to invite amateur astronomers to contribute observations taken during the same window, particularly in tracking the reported impact flashes.
The Artemis II mission, designed as a crewed test flight, continues its journey back toward Earth following the flyby. The success of this phase is expected to inform future missions aimed at returning astronauts to the lunar surface for the first time in more than half a century.
Live lunar flyby updates for NASA’s Artemis II mission will be published on this page. All times are Eastern.
9:35 p.m.
The Artemis II crew has completed the mission’s lunar observation period and is now beginning the return trip home. On Tuesday, April 7, Orion will exit the lunar sphere of influence at approximately 1:25 p.m., at a distance of 41,072 miles from the Moon.
8:35 p.m.
Artemis II is now entering a solar eclipse that will last for about an hour as Orion, the Moon and the Sun align. During this phase, the crew will see the Sun disappear behind a mostly darkened Moon.
The crew will use the opportunity to study the solar corona — the Sun’s outermost atmosphere — as it glows around the lunar edge. They also will watch for flashes of light from meteoroids striking the surface, which could offer insight into potential hazards on the Moon.
7:24 p.m.
The Artemis II crew witnessed an Earthrise as Orion emerged from behind the Moon, moments before the Deep Space Network reacquired the spacecraft’s signal and restored communications.
7:02 p.m.
The Artemis II crew has reached the mission’s maximum distance from Earth at 252,756 miles, setting a new record for human spaceflight. This milestone places the crew 4,111 miles farther from Earth than the Apollo 13 mission in 1970.
7:00 p.m.
Orion has reached its closest approach to the Moon at about 4,067 miles above the lunar surface. At this point, the spacecraft is traveling about 60,863 miles an hour relative to Earth, but only 3,139 miles an hour relative to the Moon.
6:44 p.m.
“As we prepare to go out of radio communication, we’re still going to feel your love from Earth. And to all of you down there on Earth and around Earth, we love you, from the Moon. We will see you on the other side.” Victor Glover, Artemis II Pilot
Victor Glover, Artemis II Pilot
The Orion spacecraft has entered a planned communications blackout as it passes behind the Moon. For about 40 minutes, the lunar surface blocks the radio signals from NASA’s Deep Space Network on Earth needed to stay in contact with the crew.
Similar blackouts occurred during the Artemis I and Apollo missions and are expected when using an Earth-based communications system. Once Orion emerges from behind the Moon, the network will quickly reacquire the signal and restore communications with mission control.
6:41 p.m.
As Orion traveled behind the Moon, the crew witnessed an “Earthset” — the moment Earth dropped below the lunar horizon — marking another milestone in the mission’s lunar flyby.
The Earth will re-emerge at “Earthrise” from the opposite edge of the Moon in about 40 minutes.
4:40 p.m.
A lively stream of science observations from the crew throughout the flyby has been received with grins, nods, and lots of chatter in the Science Evaluation Room, where lunar scientists are supporting the observations in mission control. The crew reported color nuances, which will help enhance scientific understandings of the Moon. Shades of browns and blues that can be picked out with human eyes can help reveal the mineral composition of a feature and its age. As crew reports are received, the science team is updating the observation plan based on their follow up questions and sending up new guidance to the crew.
2:45 p.m.
Due to last approximately seven hours, the lunar observation period is the duration of time that the crew is close enough to the Moon to make impactful science observations (4,070 miles altitude at closest approach) and the spacecraft is oriented such that the windows are pointed at the Moon.
At the beginning of the window, as Orion approaches the Moon on the near side, the side we can see from Earth, people in parts of the eastern hemisphere can view some of the same features the astronauts will observe. These include future CLPS landing site Reiner Gamma, a bright, mysterious swirl the origin of which scientists are still trying to understand, and Glushko, a bright, 27-mile-wide crater known for the white streaks that shoot out from it for up to 500 miles.
1:56 p.m.
The Artemis II crew of NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, along with CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen have set the record for the farthest distance from Earth traveled by a human mission, surpassing the Apollo 13 record of 248,655 miles set in 1970.
“As we surpass the furthest distance humans have ever traveled from planet Earth, we do so in honoring the extraordinary efforts and feats of our predecessors in human space exploration. We will continue our journey even further into space before Mother Earth succeeds in pulling us back to everything that we hold dear. But we most importantly choose this moment to challenge this generation and the next to make sure this record is not long-lived.” Jeremy Hansen, Canadian Space Agency (CSA) Astronaut and Artemis II Mission Specialist
Jeremy Hansen, Canadian Space Agency (CSA) Astronaut and Artemis II Mission Specialist.
NASA Flight Director Brandon Lloyd, Capsule Communicator Amy Dill, and Command and Handling Data Officer Brandon Borter also marked a lighthearted milestone today by emailing the crew what is now assumed to be the longest person-to-person message ever sent in human history.
(Shortly after 2 p.m. EDT, the crew described two small, unnamed craters on the heavily pockmarked lunar surface. Calling down to Earth, they suggested provisional names for them. Just northwest of Orientale basin, highlighted above, is a crater they would like to name Integrity after their spacecraft and this historic mission. Just northeast of the Integrity crater, on the near and far side boundary, and sometimes visible from Earth, the crew suggested an unnamed crater be designated Carroll in honor of Reid Weisman’s late wife, Carroll Taylor Wiseman, who passed away on May 17, 2020. After this mission is complete, the crater name proposals will be formally submitted to the International Astronomical Union, an organization that governs the naming of celestial bodies and their surface features.NASA)
After breaking the record for human spaceflight, crew also took a moment to provisionally name a couple of craters on the Moon, noting they were able to see them with their naked eye.
Just northwest of Orientale basin highlighted above is a crater they would like to name Integrity after their spacecraft and this historic mission. Just northeast of Integrity, on the near and far side boundary, and sometimes visible from Earth, the crew suggested Carroll crater in honor of Reid Wiseman’s late wife, Carroll Taylor Wiseman. After this mission is complete, the crater name proposals will be formally submitted to the International Astronomical Union, the organization that governs the naming of celestial bodies and their surface features.
NASA astronaut Reid Wiseman is pictured with his late wife Carroll Taylor Wiseman. Wiseman Family
1:30 p.m.
NASA’s lunar science officer briefed the crew on their science objectives for the upcoming lunar observation period.
On April 5, the science team sent the crew the final list of 30 lunar surface targets, including the Orientale basin, a nearly 600-mile-wide crater that straddles the Moon’s near and far sides. This 3.8-billion-year-old crater formed when a large object struck the lunar surface and retains clear evidence of that collision, including dramatic topography in its rings. The crew will study Orientale’s features up close and from multiple angles as they pass by.
Hertzsprung basin also is on the crew’s list of targets. Northwest of Orientale, it is a nearly 400-mile-wide crater on the Moon’s far side. An older ringed basin, Hertzsprung offers a unique contrast to Orientale because its features have been degraded by subsequent impacts. By comparing the topography of the two craters, the crew’s observations will help scientists gain insight into how lunar features evolve over geologic timescales.
Coverage will include live views of the Moon from cameras mounted on Orion’s solar arrays. Image and view quality may vary throughout the lunar observation period due to distance from Earth, system limitations, and bandwidth across NASA’s communications network.
Note: The spacecraft will enter a planned communications blackout from 6:44 to 7:25 p.m. EDT as Orion passes behind the Moon. Spacecraft camera views will not be available during this time, but NASA’s live coverage will continue.
The four astronauts aboard NASA’s Artemis II mission woke up to a milestone few humans have experienced. Less than 19,000 miles from the Moon, they began final preparations for a lunar flyby that will mark humanity’s return to deep space after more than five decades.
Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen are expected to guide the Orion spacecraft through a carefully timed trajectory past the Moon later in the day. The moment carries symbolic weight. The last time humans ventured this far was during Apollo 17 in December 1972.
The crew’s wake-up call came with music. “Good Morning,” by Mandisa and TobyMac played through the spacecraft, followed by a recorded message from Apollo-era astronaut Jim Lovell, who died in 2025. Lovell commanded Apollo 13, the mission that previously held the record for the farthest distance traveled by humans from Earth.
That record is expected to fall at approximately 1:56 p.m. Eastern Time. Orion will surpass Apollo 13’s maximum distance of 248,655 miles, eventually reaching about 252,760 miles from Earth later in the evening.
“Hello, Artemis II! This is Apollo astronaut Jim Lovell. Welcome to my old neighborhood! When Frank Borman, Bill Anders, and I orbited the Moon on Apollo 8, we got humanity’s first up-close look at the Moon and got a view of the home planet that inspired and united people around the world. I’m proud to pass that torch on to you — as you swing around the Moon and lay the groundwork for missions to Mars … for the benefit of all. It’s a historic day, and I know how busy you’ll be. But don’t forget to enjoy the view. So, Reid, Victor, Christina, and Jeremy, and all the great teams supporting you – good luck and Godspeed from all of us here on the good Earth.”
Lovell,Gemini VII, Gemini XII, Apollo 8, and Apollo 13 Astronaut
Lunar Flyby Timeline And Observation Plans
The flyby itself is scheduled to begin around 2:45 p.m. Eastern Time and will span roughly seven hours. During this window, Orion will pass close enough to the lunar surface to allow astronauts to observe geological features in detail.
NASA has indicated that cameras mounted on Orion’s solar arrays will transmit live views of the Moon back to Earth. The agency plans to stream coverage across multiple platforms, including NASA+, YouTube, and major streaming services.
Engineers have cautioned that image quality may fluctuate. The distance from Earth, along with bandwidth constraints across NASA’s Deep Space Network, could affect transmission clarity during portions of the flyby.
The spacecraft’s closest approach is expected shortly after a planned communications blackout. At about 6:44 p.m., Orion will pass behind the Moon, temporarily losing contact with Earth as lunar mass blocks radio signals. The blackout is expected to last around 40 minutes.
Within that window, at approximately 7:02 p.m., Orion will reach its nearest point to the lunar surface, about 4,070 miles above it. This maneuver is critical for setting up the spacecraft’s trajectory for its return journey.
Final Flyby Preparations art002e009294 (April 6, 2026) – Artemis II Pilot Victor Glover, Commander Reid Wiseman, and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen prepare for their journey around the far side of the Moon by configuring their camera equipment shortly before beginning their lunar flyby observations. Image Credit: NASA
Solar Eclipse Viewed From Deep Space
As the flyby concludes, the crew will witness a rare celestial alignment. Beginning around 8:35 p.m., the astronauts are expected to see a solar eclipse from their vantage point in space.
From Orion, the Moon will move directly between the spacecraft and the Sun, blocking sunlight for nearly an hour. The crew will observe the solar corona, the outermost layer of the Sun’s atmosphere, which becomes visible during such eclipses.
NASA officials have said this phase of the mission offers both scientific and experiential value. Observing the corona from deep space provides a unique opportunity to study solar activity without atmospheric interference.
The Artemis II mission is designed as a test flight, evaluating systems that will support future lunar landings under NASA’s Artemis program. Unlike later missions, Artemis II does not include a landing. Its focus remains on validating life support systems, navigation, and crew operations in deep space.
Still, Tuesday’s flyby represents a turning point. For the first time in more than 50 years, humans are returning to the Moon’s vicinity, setting the stage for a sustained presence in lunar orbit and, eventually, on its surface.
The spacecraft will continue its journey following the flyby, looping back toward Earth in the coming days.
Key moments for the lunar flyby include this following. All times are Eastern and may be adjusted based on real-time operations:
NASA
Monday, April 6
1:30 p.m.: The science officer in the Mission Control Center at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston will brief the crew on their science goals for the upcoming flyby.
1:56 p.m.: The Artemis II crew is expected to surpass the record previously set by the Apollo 13 crew in 1970 for the farthest humans have ever traveled from Earth.
2:45 p.m.: Lunar observations begin.
6:44 p.m.: Mission control expects to temporarily lose communication with the crew as the Orion spacecraft passes behind the Moon.
6:45 p.m.: During “Earthset,” Earth will glide behind the Moon from Orion’s perspective.
7:02 p.m.: Orion reaches its closest approach to the Moon at 4,070 miles above the surface.
7:07 p.m.: Crew reach their maximum distance from Earth during the mission (252,706 miles).
7:25 p.m.: “Earthrise” marks Earth coming back into view on the opposite edge of the Moon.
7:25 p.m.: Mission control will re-acquire communication with the astronauts.
8:35-9:32 p.m.: During a solar eclipse, the Sun will pass behind the Moon from the crew’s perspective.
9:20 p.m.: Lunar observations conclude.
Tuesday, April 7
1:25 p.m.: Orion exits the lunar sphere of influence at 41,072 miles from the Moon.
Researchers at Princeton University have found that high-fat diets may make certain breast cancers more invasive by altering tumor structure. The study, published March 3 in APL Bioengineering, examined triple-negative breast cancer using advanced 3D models. Scientists say the findings could help explain why diet influences cancer outcomes, though results remain limited to lab conditions.
In a controlled lab setting, researchers watched tumors change shape.
Not grow faster. Not shrink. Change form.
That shift, they say, may help explain why diet influences how some cancers behave.
A team at Princeton University has identified new links between high-fat diets and aggressive breast cancer, focusing on how fat alters the structure of tumors rather than simply accelerating their growth.
The study examined triple-negative breast cancer, a subtype that does not respond to many conventional therapies and is often associated with poorer outcomes.
High-fat nutrients linked to invasive tumor structure
Using 3D tumor models designed to mimic human biological conditions, researchers exposed cancer cells to different nutrient environments, including fats, cholesterol, insulin, and ketones.
The results showed a clear structural difference.
Tumors exposed to fatty acids and cholesterol developed hollow, branching extensions that spread outward from the tumor core. These structures are associated with invasive behavior, allowing cancer cells to penetrate surrounding tissue and potentially spread through the body.
Celeste Nelson, the study’s lead investigator, described these formations as characteristic of aggressive cancers.
“Aggressive cancers have these tendrils, and it’s the leading edges that end up invading into our normal tissues and making it into either a lymphatic or a blood vessel and escaping and metastasizing,” she said.
Notably, the tumors did not grow significantly faster under high-fat conditions. Instead, cells redistributed, moving from the center toward the edges, reshaping the tumor’s structure.
Gene activity points to possible mechanism
The team also identified increased activity of a gene known as MMP1, which is associated with the breakdown of collagen, a key structural component of tissue.
Higher MMP1 levels were strongly correlated with the structural changes observed in the tumors.
Researchers believe this may allow cancer cells to break down surrounding tissue more easily, creating pathways for invasion.
However, the study stops short of proving direct causation. Nelson said further research is needed to determine whether high-fat diets directly trigger this gene activity or if other factors are involved.
Future experiments may test whether blocking MMP1 changes how tumors respond to high-fat conditions.
Fluorescence images of sample tumors show invasions into surrounding tissue over several days. Branching invasions are most pronounced in the lower right frame. (Photo illustration from image provided by the researchers/Princeton University.) Credit:Princeton University
Other diets showed limited impact in the model
The study also tested tumor responses under different nutrient conditions, including high insulin, glycerol, and ketones.
These conditions showed little difference from baseline tumors, which remained relatively compact and did not develop invasive structures.
One unexpected result involved a simulated ketogenic diet, which is typically high in fat and low in carbohydrates.
Researchers had expected it might slow tumor progression. Instead, the tumors did not show improved outcomes compared to baseline conditions within the model.
“We were expecting a ketogenic diet to be protective,” Nelson said. “Yet we didn’t see that here.”
She added that the model may not fully capture the complexity of how such diets interact with the human body, particularly immune responses and other systemic factors.
Study highlights limits of lab-based cancer models
The findings are based on 3D microfluidic tumor models, which aim to replicate aspects of real biological environments more accurately than traditional lab methods.
Unlike 2D cell cultures, which grow in simplified conditions, these models simulate both the physical and chemical environment of tumors. At the same time, they remain more controlled than animal studies, allowing researchers to isolate specific variables such as diet.
Even so, the researchers caution that the results are limited.
The tumors studied are simplified representations and do not include the full range of interactions present in the human body. That means the findings cannot be directly translated into dietary recommendations or clinical outcomes.
“Every tumor is an individual’s tumor,” Nelson said, noting the challenge of capturing the full diversity of cancer behavior in a single study.
New direction for diet and cancer research
The study adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that diet influences cancer progression, though the mechanisms remain unclear.
By focusing on structural changes rather than growth rates, the Princeton team offers a different lens for understanding how nutrients interact with tumors.
The research also points to potential targets for future therapies, particularly genes involved in tissue breakdown and tumor invasion.
For now, the findings remain an early step.
They show how fat may change the way tumors behave under controlled conditions, opening new questions about how those processes unfold inside the human body.
