At 2:53 p.m. EDT, the Orion spacecraft ignited its thrusters for 8 seconds, producing a change in velocity of 4.2 feet-per-second and pushing Artemis II toward Earth. NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen reviewed procedures and monitored the spacecraft’s configuration and navigation data.
The crew continues to wrap up cabin configuration for re-entry and move into their entry checklist.
Splashdown is targeted for 8:07 p.m. EDT (5:07 p.m. PDT) off the coast of San Diego, where NASA’s recovery team will be standing by to welcome the Artemis II crew home.
Watch live return coverage on NASA+, Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Netflix, HBO Max, Discovery+, Peacock and Roku, starting at 6:30 p.m. Learn how to stream NASA content through a variety of online platforms, including social media. Coverage will continue until NASA and Department of War personnel safely assist the crew out of Orion and transport them to the USS John P. Murtha.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Astronauts aboard Artemis II completed a 41-minute manual piloting test of the Orion spacecraft on Flight Day 4, taking turns controlling the vehicle in deep space. The demonstration, carried out tested thruster modes and maneuvering capabilities as the crew also reviewed targets for an upcoming lunar flyby. The mission continues on a stable trajectory toward the Moon, with further piloting tests planned later in the flight.
The astronauts aboard Orion spent part of their fourth day in space doing something few humans have ever done: manually steering a spacecraft far beyond Earth orbit.
Late in the day, Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen took control of the capsule, guiding it through a series of controlled maneuvers designed to test how the spacecraft responds to human input in deep space.
The exercise began at 9:09 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time and lasted 41 minutes, giving engineers a detailed look at Orion’s handling under different conditions.
Orion manual piloting test evaluates deep space handling
During the demonstration, the astronauts tested two distinct thruster configurations. One allowed full six degrees of freedom, enabling movement and rotation across all axes. The other restricted motion to three degrees of freedom, simplifying control inputs and simulating different operational scenarios.
The goal is data. NASA engineers are studying how Orion behaves when astronauts take direct control, measuring responsiveness, stability, and precision. These findings will inform how future crews operate spacecraft during longer missions, where autonomy becomes essential.
Commander Reid Wiseman and pilot Victor Glover are scheduled to repeat the test on Flight Day 8, allowing ground teams to compare performance across different crew members.
Manual control remains a backup capability in modern spacecraft, but NASA continues to treat it as a core skill. In deep space, where delays in communication can limit ground intervention, astronauts must be able to operate independently if needed.
Lunar flyby imaging plan finalized ahead of observation window
While piloting tests drew focus late in the day, earlier hours were spent preparing for the mission’s next major milestone: the lunar flyby.
The crew reviewed a list of imaging targets prepared by NASA’s science team, outlining specific features on the Moon that astronauts will photograph and analyze during a six-hour observation period.
That window begins at approximately 2:45 p.m. on April 6, when Orion’s main cabin windows will be oriented toward the lunar surface.
The targets include impact craters, volcanic plains formed by ancient lava flows, and structural features such as ridges and fractures. By documenting variations in brightness, texture, and color, astronauts will contribute data that helps scientists interpret the Moon’s geological history.
Unlike earlier missions that passed close to the surface, Orion will observe the Moon from thousands of miles away. That distance allows the crew to capture a broader view, including polar regions that are difficult to study from low-altitude trajectories.
The planning session ensures that each crew member understands their role during the flyby. Timing, camera positioning, and observational priorities must align precisely during the limited window available.
Crew life aboard Orion blends routine with milestone moments
Even as the mission advances toward the Moon, daily life aboard Orion continues to follow a structured routine.
Earlier in the day, the astronauts used one of the spacecraft’s external solar array cameras to capture selfies, offering a glimpse of the crew inside the capsule as Earth recedes in the distance. The images are expected to be transmitted to mission control in the coming days.
Such moments, while informal, serve a broader purpose. NASA often shares these images to document the human experience of spaceflight, providing visual context for missions that otherwise unfold far from public view.
The crew is scheduled to begin their sleep period at 3:15 a.m., with mission control at the NASA Johnson Space Center set to wake them at noon Central Daylight Time to begin Flight Day 5.
Structured sleep cycles remain essential. Maintaining physical and cognitive performance is critical as the mission approaches its most observation-intensive phase.
Precision trajectory allows focus on operations
Artemis II continues along a stable trajectory toward the Moon, allowing astronauts to dedicate more time to operational tasks rather than propulsion adjustments.
NASA flight controllers have already canceled multiple planned trajectory correction burns, citing the spacecraft’s accurate path. That precision reduces workload on both the crew and ground teams while conserving fuel for later mission phases.
Inside Orion, that translates into a shift in focus. The early days of the mission emphasized propulsion and navigation. Now, attention has turned to piloting validation, scientific preparation, and system monitoring.
The manual piloting demonstration is part of that transition. It marks a point where the spacecraft is no longer just being guided by automated systems but is also being tested as a vehicle that astronauts can control directly in deep space.
As the Moon draws closer, the crew’s preparations inside the capsule are becoming more deliberate. Every maneuver, checklist review, and system test feeds into the upcoming flyby.
For now, the spacecraft continues forward on a steady path, with astronauts alternating between routine tasks and moments that underscore the scale of the mission.
The crew of Artemis II moved into preparation mode on April 6 as their spacecraft, Orion spacecraft, continued its trajectory toward a lunar flyby. The outbound trajectory correction burn was canceled after flight controllers confirmed the spacecraft remained on course. Astronauts focused on cabin readiness, medical drills, and system checks as the mission passed its halfway point to the Moon.
The four astronauts aboard Artemis II are settling into the rhythms of deep space travel as their spacecraft closes in on a critical phase of the mission. By Monday afternoon, the crew had shifted focus from major propulsion events to preparing the Orion capsule for sustained lunar observation, a period that will define the mission’s operational success.
“We all had a collective expression of joy at that… We can see the Moon out of the docking hatch right now. It’s a beautiful sight.” –Christina KOCH, NASA Astronaut (Artemis II Mission)
Mission controllers at the NASA Johnson Space Center confirmed that the first planned outbound trajectory correction burn was no longer necessary. The spacecraft’s path, they said, remained precise enough to meet mission parameters without adjustment. That decision removed one of three scheduled trajectory maneuvers designed to fine-tune Orion’s route to the Moon.
Inside the capsule, the change translated into a different kind of workload. Rather than executing propulsion tasks, the crew began configuring their living and observation environment for the upcoming lunar flyby window.
Victor Glover, Jeremy Hansen, and Reid Wiseman work together inside the Orion spacecraft on their way to the Moon.
Orion cabin preparation for lunar observation phase
Cabin preparation is not cosmetic. It involves reconfiguring equipment, securing loose items, and ensuring all observation tools are accessible during the Moon flyby. Astronauts must also adjust lighting, camera systems, and window access points to capture scientific data and imagery.
NASA officials have described this phase as one of the most human-centered parts of the mission. The spacecraft, which has operated largely as a transport vehicle until now, becomes a workspace and observation platform as it approaches lunar proximity.
Crew members spent part of the day organizing onboard equipment and verifying that all systems required for observation are functioning within expected parameters. This includes environmental controls, onboard computing systems, and manual override mechanisms.
Alongside technical preparation, astronauts continued routine health maintenance. Exercise sessions remain a daily requirement to counter the effects of microgravity on muscles and bone density. Medical response drills were also conducted, simulating potential emergencies that could arise far from Earth.
These drills are not theoretical. NASA requires crews to demonstrate the ability to respond to medical situations independently, given the communication delays and physical distance involved in deep space missions.
Deep space systems testing and mission timeline adjustments
The crew also tested Orion’s emergency communications system, a critical component designed to maintain contact with Earth under degraded conditions. Engineers on the ground monitor these tests closely, using them to validate system redundancy and resilience.
Deep space communication differs significantly from low Earth orbit operations. Signal delays increase, and the margin for error narrows. Testing ensures that backup systems can function if primary channels fail.
NASA’s decision to cancel the trajectory correction burn underscores the precision of the spacecraft’s navigation systems. According to mission control, Orion’s current trajectory aligns closely with pre-flight calculations, reducing the need for mid-course corrections.
That precision has operational consequences. Fewer burns mean conservation of fuel and reduced mechanical stress on propulsion systems, both of which can extend mission flexibility.
The Artemis II timeline continues to evolve in real time. While the crew prepared for rest around 3 a.m. Central Daylight Time, mission control scheduled their wake-up for the next operational phase. The timeline reflects both planned activities and adjustments based on spacecraft performance.
Despite the technical complexity, daily life aboard Orion follows a structured routine. Sleep cycles, exercise periods, and work blocks are carefully scheduled to maintain crew health and efficiency.
For the astronauts, the mission has now entered a quieter but equally demanding stage. The high-energy launch and orbital maneuvers have given way to sustained operations, where attention to detail becomes critical.
The lunar flyby, expected soon, will serve as both a technical demonstration and a symbolic milestone. Artemis II is the first crewed mission under NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon and establish a long-term presence.
The mission builds on decades of spaceflight experience while introducing new systems designed for deep space exploration. Orion, developed specifically for missions beyond low Earth orbit, represents a shift in spacecraft design priorities, emphasizing autonomy, durability, and crew safety over extended durations.
As the spacecraft moves closer to the Moon, the crew’s preparations inside the cabin will shape how effectively they can carry out observation tasks. Every adjustment made now, from equipment placement to system checks, feeds into that moment.
For mission control teams in Houston, the cancellation of a major burn signals confidence in both the spacecraft and the planning behind it. For the astronauts, it means more time to prepare for the view ahead.
The Moon is no longer a distant objective. It is approaching, steadily, on a trajectory that no longer requires correction.
NASA confirmed on April 4 that Artemis II’s first planned trajectory correction burn was canceled after Orion remained on its precise path to the Moon. The crew, traveling toward a scheduled lunar flyby on April 6, continues operations without the need for immediate adjustments. Mission controllers in Houston determined the spacecraft’s trajectory required no correction at this stage, with future burns still available if needed.
The four astronauts aboard NASA’s Artemis II mission prepared for a maneuver that never came.
From inside the Orion spacecraft, now deep into its journey toward the Moon, the crew had readied for the first outbound trajectory correction burn, a routine adjustment designed to fine-tune their path. Instead, flight controllers on Earth made a different call.
Engineers at NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston confirmed the spacecraft was already exactly where it needed to be. The burn was called off.
Artemis II trajectory correction burn canceled due to precise navigation
The canceled maneuver was the first of three planned trajectory correction burns in the Artemis II mission timeline. These burns are typically used to adjust a spacecraft’s velocity and direction after major propulsion events, ensuring it remains aligned for critical milestones like a lunar flyby.
In this case, Orion required no such adjustment.
Mission control teams determined that the spacecraft’s current trajectory remains within precise mission parameters as it continues toward its scheduled flyby of the Moon on April 6. The decision reflects the accuracy of the earlier translunar injection burn, which set Orion on its current path after departing Earth orbit.
For the crew, the change meant shifting from execution to observation. Systems remained monitored, procedures stayed in place, but the engines stayed silent.
NASA
What skipping a correction burn means for the Orion spacecraft
Canceling a planned burn is not unusual in deep-space missions. It signals that navigation targets have been met with high precision, reducing the need for course corrections.
Orion still has two additional trajectory correction opportunities built into the mission plan. Any required adjustments later in the journey can be incorporated into those future burns, giving flight controllers flexibility as the spacecraft approaches and departs the Moon.
The Artemis II mission continues to follow a carefully choreographed sequence of events, where each maneuver is backed by contingency planning. Skipping one step does not remove redundancy. It confirms it.
Inside the capsule, the crew continues routine operations as they move farther from Earth, maintaining spacecraft systems and preparing for the upcoming lunar flyby. The mission marks humanity’s first crewed journey beyond low Earth orbit since NASA’s Apollo era, a milestone that carries both technical and symbolic weight.
For now, Orion’s path requires no correction. The spacecraft remains on course, its trajectory holding steady as it closes the distance to the Moon.
NASA’s Artemis II crew began Flight Day 3 on April 4 after departing Earth’s orbit earlier in the mission, preparing for their first trajectory correction burn as Orion heads toward the Moon. The four astronauts, currently nearly 100,000 miles from Earth, are also training for lunar observations scheduled during a flyby on April 6. The day’s schedule includes spacecraft operations, medical drills, and communication system tests as the mission advances deeper into space.
The four astronauts aboard NASA’s Artemis II mission woke to music drifting through the Orion capsule, nearly 100,000 miles from Earth. Hours earlier, they had been asleep inside a spacecraft racing toward the Moon, farther from home than any crew in more than half a century.
Commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, mission specialist Christina Koch, and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen are now settling into the cadence of deep-space flight. Their journey marks the first time humans have traveled beyond low Earth orbit since NASA’s Apollo program ended in 1972.
Mission controllers at NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston signaled the start of the day at 1 p.m. EDT, playing “…In a Daydream,” by the Freddy Jones Band. By then, Orion was roughly 99,900 miles from Earth, closing in on the Moon, which lay about 161,750 miles ahead.
A view of Earth taken by NASA astronaut and Artemis II commander Reid Wiseman from one of the Orion spacecraft’s four main windows after completing the translunar injection burn on April 2, 2026. NASA
Trajectory correction burn Artemis II timing and purpose
The crew’s primary task later Friday is preparing for the first outbound trajectory correction burn, scheduled for 6:49 p.m. The maneuver will last about eight seconds and slightly adjust Orion’s speed by 0.7 feet per second.
That small change carries weight in deep space navigation. Engineers design these burns to fine-tune the spacecraft’s path after major propulsion events, such as the translunar injection burn completed on April 2. Using Orion’s onboard thrusters, the adjustment ensures the capsule remains precisely aligned for upcoming lunar operations.
Inside the spacecraft, the preparation involves verifying propulsion systems, monitoring navigation data, and coordinating closely with mission control. Even minor deviations can compound over hundreds of thousands of miles, making these early corrections essential.
The Artemis II crew is experiencing this process in real time, managing both the technical and human demands of deep-space travel. It is the kind of operational rhythm that defined earlier lunar missions but has not been practiced by a human crew in decades.
Lunar flyby science targets and far side observations
While engineers refine Orion’s trajectory, scientists are focusing on what the crew will see once they reach the Moon.
Teams on the ground are selecting geological targets that will be visible during a six-hour observation window on April 6, when Orion loops around the lunar surface. The alignment of the Sun, Moon, and spacecraft is expected to illuminate about 20 percent of the Moon’s far side, a region never visible from Earth.
Among the features expected to come into view are the Orientale basin, a massive impact structure, along with Pierazzo crater and Ohm crater. Some of these formations have rarely been seen directly by human eyes without optical aid.
Inside Orion, the astronauts are rehearsing for that moment. The cabin, roughly the size of two minivans, requires careful choreography in microgravity. Equipment must be secured, camera positions planned, and movement coordinated to avoid disrupting observations.
The crew will use handheld cameras equipped with 80-400 millimeter and 14-24 millimeter lenses. These tools are expected to capture high-resolution imagery of the lunar surface, contributing to scientific analysis and public engagement with the mission.
A view of Earth taken by NASA astronaut and Artemis II Commander Reid Wiseman from one of the Orion spacecraft’s window after completing the translunar injection burn on April 2, 2026. The image features two auroras (top right and bottom left) and zodiacal light (bottom right) is visible as the Earth eclipses the Sun.
Orion spacecraft health tests and deep space communications
Beyond navigation and science, Flight Day 3 also includes routine but critical health and safety exercises.
The astronauts are scheduled to conduct demonstrations of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and choking response procedures. These drills aim to evaluate how emergency medical protocols function in microgravity, where movement and physical coordination differ significantly from Earth.
Physical fitness remains another priority. Each crew member continues daily exercise using Orion’s flywheel device, designed to maintain cardiovascular health during extended missions.
Later in the day, Christina Koch will test Orion’s emergency communication systems using NASA Deep Space Network, a worldwide array of antennas that supports spacecraft far beyond Earth orbit. The test will assess how effectively Orion can transmit data as it moves deeper into space.
The spacecraft’s optical communications system has already demonstrated its ability to send high-definition video and mission data back to Earth through U.S.-based ground stations. That information is relayed directly to mission control in Houston, allowing engineers to monitor the spacecraft’s performance in near real time.
As Artemis II advances toward its lunar flyby, the crew’s day-to-day work blends precision engineering with human adaptability. Each scheduled task, from an eight-second burn to a medical drill, contributes to a mission that is reestablishing a path last traveled more than five decades ago.
For the astronauts aboard Orion, the distance from Earth continues to grow. So does the scope of what lies ahead.
Astronomers studying the exoplanet TOI-5205 b have found unexpected atmospheric properties that challenge existing models of planet formation. Using the James Webb Space Telescope, researchers observed the Jupiter-sized planet orbiting a small red dwarf star and detected unusually low heavy-element content. The findings, published this week, suggest new mechanisms may shape how giant planets form around smaller stars.
A giant planet circles a small, dim star, and astronomers are still working out how it got there.
The exoplanet TOI-5205 b, roughly the size of Jupiter, orbits a red dwarf star that is far smaller than the Sun. Systems like this are often described as unusual because standard models of planet formation struggle to explain how such a large planet could emerge from a relatively small disk of material.
Now, new observations using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) have added another layer to the puzzle. Researchers report that the planet’s atmosphere contains fewer heavy elements than expected, even when compared to its own host star.
The findings were published in The Astronomical Journal and led by scientists at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, with contributions from Carnegie Institution for Science and other international partners.
JWST transit data reveals unexpected atmospheric composition
TOI-5205 b orbits its host star closely enough that it regularly passes in front of it, an event known as a transit. During these transits, the planet blocks about six percent of the star’s light, allowing astronomers to analyze its atmosphere.
Using spectrographs aboard JWST, researchers split the starlight filtering through the planet’s atmosphere into different wavelengths. This technique reveals the chemical composition of the gases surrounding the planet.
The results showed the presence of methane and hydrogen sulfide, both commonly found in gas giant atmospheres. But what stood out was the relative lack of heavier elements, often referred to as metallicity in astronomy.
The planet’s atmosphere appears less enriched in heavy elements than Jupiter, and even less than its own host star. That runs counter to expectations. In most known systems, giant planets tend to have atmospheres richer in heavy elements than their stars.
“Forbidden” planet raises questions about how worlds form
TOI-5205 b belongs to a class sometimes called giant exoplanets around M dwarf stars, or GEMS. These systems are rare because smaller stars are thought to have less material available in their protoplanetary disks, making it harder to form large planets.
The existence of TOI-5205 b already challenged that assumption when it was confirmed in 2023 using data from the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS). The new atmospheric findings deepen the mystery.
Researchers expected that if such a planet formed, it would show clear signs of heavy-element enrichment. Instead, the data suggests the opposite.
To interpret the results, scientists used models of planetary interiors developed at the University of Zurich. These models indicate that while the planet as a whole may be rich in heavier elements, those materials could be concentrated deep inside.
That separation between interior and atmosphere points to a process where heavy elements migrate inward during formation, leaving the outer layers relatively depleted.
An artist’s conception of the gas giant planet TOI-5205 b orbiting a small, cool red dwarf star. Credit-Katherine Cain, Carnegie Science.
New clues about early planetary evolution
The findings suggest that TOI-5205 b may have experienced a more complex formation process than previously thought. One possibility is that the planet formed quickly, capturing large amounts of hydrogen and helium before heavier elements could mix evenly throughout its structure.
Another possibility involves limited mixing between the planet’s interior and its atmosphere, preventing heavier elements from rising to observable levels.
The study also points to a carbon-rich, oxygen-poor atmosphere, which could influence how clouds form and how heat moves through the planet’s outer layers.
Astronomers plan to expand their observations through a broader program focused on similar systems. By studying more giant planets around small stars, researchers hope to determine whether TOI-5205 b is an outlier or part of a larger pattern.
For now, the planet stands as a case that does not fit neatly into existing models. A massive world orbiting a modest star, with an atmosphere that defies expectations.
NASA approved the translunar injection burn for Artemis II on April 2, clearing the Orion spacecraft to leave Earth orbit at 7:49 p.m. EDT. The burn will send astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen toward the Moon for the first time since 1972. The decision follows a mission management review confirming spacecraft readiness and system performance.
The call came from Houston after a day of checks and calculations. The answer was simple. Go.
With that, NASA cleared Artemis II to attempt the maneuver that will send its crew beyond Earth orbit. If executed as planned, the burn will place humans on a path toward the Moon for the first time in more than five decades.
The mission marks a major step for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and its Artemis program, which aims to return astronauts to deep space operations.
Translunar injection burn timing and Orion engine performance
The translunar injection burn is scheduled to begin at 7:49 p.m. Eastern Time. Orion’s main engine will fire for five minutes and 49 seconds, providing the acceleration needed to break free from Earth’s orbit.
The engine, located on the spacecraft’s service module, produces up to 6,000 pounds of thrust. NASA compares that output to accelerating a car from zero to 60 miles per hour in about 2.7 seconds.
The burn must be executed with precise timing and orientation. Even minor deviations can alter the spacecraft’s path over the hundreds of thousands of miles between Earth and the Moon.
Flight controllers will track engine performance, guidance systems, and navigation data in real time to ensure Orion remains aligned with its intended trajectory.
NASA flight directors Rick Henfling (right) and Judd Frieling (left) sit on console in Mission Control’s White Flight Control room during NASA’s Artemis II mission launch on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. ROBERT MARKOWITZ NASA-JSC
Crew activities and first full day operations in space
Earlier in the day, the Artemis II crew began their first full schedule of in-space operations. NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch were joined by Jeremy Hansen of the Canadian Space Agency.
Mission control woke the crew at 2:35 p.m. Eastern Time with the song “Green Light” by John Legend and Andre 3000, continuing a long-standing NASA tradition of musical wake-up calls.
The astronauts moved into preparations for the burn, reviewing procedures and monitoring spacecraft systems. They also conducted their first exercise session using Orion’s flywheel-based device, designed to help maintain muscle and bone health in microgravity.
Exercise equipment is a standard feature for crewed missions, particularly those that extend beyond low Earth orbit. Maintaining physical conditioning becomes critical as mission duration increases.
The hours leading up to the burn are structured around system checks, communication with ground teams, and final readiness confirmations.
The Artemis II mission is designed as a test flight. Yet the stakes of this maneuver are clear. Once the engine fires, the crew will begin a journey that carries them away from Earth and toward the Moon, retracing a path last taken during the Apollo era.
NASA confirmed the Artemis II crew completed the perigee raise burn on April 2, firing Orion’s engine for 43 seconds to refine its orbit around Earth. The maneuver placed the spacecraft into a stable high Earth orbit ahead of a planned translunar injection later the same day. Mission managers will review system performance before approving the burn that would send astronauts toward the Moon for the first time since 1972.
The Artemis II crew woke to music and a tightly timed task. Minutes later, they were watching their spacecraft reshape its path around Earth.
Inside Orion, the capsule named Integrity, astronauts monitored systems as the engine fired for just over 40 seconds. The burn was brief. Its impact on the mission trajectory was not.
The maneuver marked another step in a sequence designed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to prepare astronauts for a return to deep space operations.
Perigee raise burn details and Orion orbit adjustment
The perigee raise burn began after a scheduled wake-up at 7:06 a.m. Eastern Time, when mission control in Houston signaled the crew with the song “Sleepyhead” by Young and Sick.
Shortly after, Orion’s service module main engine ignited. It burned for 43 seconds, increasing the spacecraft’s perigee, the lowest point in its orbit around Earth.
This adjustment refined Orion’s trajectory, placing it into a stable high Earth orbit. The new orbit aligns with the spacecraft’s planned path for departure toward the Moon.
Engineers design these burns to test propulsion precision under real mission conditions. Small timing or thrust variations can significantly alter a spacecraft’s trajectory over long distances.
Following the maneuver, astronauts returned to a rest cycle lasting about four and a half hours, part of a schedule structured to balance workload and recovery during the mission’s early phase.
Trajectory for Artemis II, NASA’s first flight with crew aboard SLS, Orion to pave the way for long-term return to the Moon, missions to Mars
Translunar injection burn timing and mission approval process
Attention now shifts to the next and more consequential maneuver, the translunar injection burn.
Mission management teams are scheduled to meet later in the day to assess spacecraft health, propulsion data, and navigation accuracy. Their approval is required before proceeding.
If cleared, the translunar injection burn is set for 7:49 p.m. Eastern Time. The maneuver will last five minutes and 49 seconds and is expected to increase Orion’s velocity by 1,274 feet per second.
That acceleration would push the spacecraft out of Earth orbit and onto a trajectory toward the Moon. It would mark the first time humans leave low Earth orbit since the Apollo era, which concluded with the final Moon mission in 1972.
Flight controllers will monitor engine performance and guidance systems throughout the burn. Navigation data must remain within tight tolerances to ensure Orion stays aligned with its intended path.
The Artemis II mission is designed as a test flight, but each milestone carries operational weight. With the perigee burn complete, the next decision point will determine whether the crew begins its journey beyond Earth orbit.
NASA confirmed the Artemis II crew resolved a toilet system fault aboard the Orion spacecraft on April 2 while in Earth orbit. The issue, first detected as a blinking fault light on April 1, was addressed through coordinated troubleshooting with mission control in Houston. The fix comes ahead of a scheduled perigee raise burn, a maneuver that will adjust Orion’s orbit for future deep space operations.
A minor but essential system aboard NASA’s Artemis II spacecraft briefly drew attention this week. It was not propulsion or navigation. It was the toilet.
Astronauts aboard Orion, the capsule named Integrity, reported a blinking fault light tied to the waste management system on April 1. Within hours, engineers on the ground and the crew in orbit worked through the problem together. By the next mission update, the system was back to normal operation.
The episode highlights how even routine spacecraft functions demand precision during crewed missions led by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
Orion spacecraft toilet issue and in-flight troubleshooting
The issue first surfaced ahead of a planned apogee raise burn, when the crew noticed a blinking fault indicator linked to Orion’s toilet system. Such warning signals are designed to flag irregularities early, even when the system continues functioning.
NASA’s mission control team at the Johnson Space Center in Houston began reviewing telemetry immediately. Engineers assessed system data while communicating directly with the astronauts to isolate the cause.
The troubleshooting process involved both software diagnostics and procedural checks inside the spacecraft. The agency did not report any hardware damage or safety risk tied to the issue.
By April 2, NASA confirmed that normal functionality had been restored. The resolution ensured that one of the spacecraft’s life-support subsystems remained fully operational as the mission continued.
Waste management systems in microgravity rely on airflow, pressure control, and precise mechanical components. Even minor anomalies require immediate attention, as they can affect crew comfort and long-duration mission readiness.
A view of the Earth’s horizon from NASA’s Orion spacecraft as it orbits above the planet during the first hours of the Artemis II test flight. NASA astronauts Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialist Christina Koch, and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen, launched at 6:35 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, on an approximately 10-day mission around the Moon and back to Earth. NASA
Perigee raise burn timing and mission trajectory planning
With the issue resolved, the Artemis II crew is preparing for the next major step in the mission timeline. The perigee raise burn is scheduled after a planned rest period.
Perigee refers to the lowest point of a spacecraft’s orbit around Earth. Raising it changes the orbital shape, making it more stable and better suited for future maneuvers.
This burn follows an earlier apogee raise maneuver, which increased Orion’s highest orbital point. Together, the two burns define the spacecraft’s initial orbit and test its propulsion system under operational conditions.
NASA scheduled a four-hour rest period for the crew before the maneuver. Astronauts are set to wake at 7 a.m. Eastern Time on April 2 to begin preparations. After completing post-burn procedures, they will return to a second sleep cycle later in the morning.
The sequence reflects the structured rhythm of human spaceflight, where operational tasks alternate with carefully timed rest to maintain performance.
The Artemis II mission continues to build toward its broader objective: validating systems for future missions that will carry astronauts beyond Earth orbit and toward the Moon.
NASA’s Artemis II crew completed a proximity operations test on April 2, maneuvering the Orion spacecraft near a detached rocket stage in Earth orbit. The demonstration, lasting about 70 minutes, tested manual control systems and gathered data critical for future lunar missions. The crew now prepares for a perigee raise burn, while engineers continue troubleshooting a minor onboard toilet system issue.
The astronauts aboard NASA’s Artemis II mission spent part of April 2 guiding their spacecraft through a tightly choreographed exercise hundreds of miles above Earth.
Inside Orion, the capsule named Integrity, the crew manually steered within close range of a discarded rocket stage, testing how precisely humans can control the spacecraft in space. The task lasted just over an hour. It marked one of the first hands-on demonstrations of Orion’s maneuverability under crew control.
The exercise is part of a broader effort by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to validate systems before sending astronauts farther into deep space, including eventual missions to the Moon under the Artemis program.
The proximity operations demonstration centered on Orion’s ability to approach and move away from another object in orbit. For this test, the crew used the detached interim cryogenic propulsion stage, or ICPS, as a reference target.
The ICPS, a temporary upper stage used during launch, had already separated from the spacecraft. It remained nearby long enough for the astronauts to conduct controlled approach and retreat maneuvers.
During the roughly 70-minute session, the crew adjusted Orion’s position repeatedly, testing navigation, thruster response, and onboard guidance systems. These maneuvers simulate conditions required for future missions that may involve docking or operating near other spacecraft.
At the end of the exercise, Orion executed an automated departure burn, increasing its distance from the ICPS. The stage is scheduled to perform a disposal burn, sending it into Earth’s atmosphere over a remote Pacific region, according to NASA mission updates.
The demonstration provides engineers with real-time data on how Orion performs under manual control, a capability considered essential for complex operations during lunar missions.
Alongside the crewed mission, four small satellites known as CubeSats launched as secondary payloads aboard the Space Launch System (SLS).
CubeSats are compact, shoebox-sized spacecraft designed for targeted scientific experiments. They will deploy after the Orion stage adapter separates from the main spacecraft.
Each satellite carries a distinct research objective:
ATENEA, developed by Argentina’s national space agency, focuses on radiation shielding and communication systems in high Earth orbit.
Space Weather CubeSat-1, built by the Saudi Space Agency, will measure solar radiation, X-rays, and magnetic field activity.
TACHELES, from the German Aerospace Center, is testing electrical systems for future lunar logistics vehicles.
K-Rad Cube, developed by the Korea AeroSpace Administration, will study radiation effects across the Van Allen belts, regions of charged particles surrounding Earth.
The CubeSat deployments expand the mission’s scientific output, offering data on space weather and radiation environments that astronauts may encounter during longer missions.
Trajectory for Artemis II, NASA’s first flight with crew aboard SLS, Orion to pave the way for long-term return to the Moon, missions to Mars
Perigee raise burn planned as engineers monitor onboard issue
Attention now shifts to the next key maneuver, the perigee raise burn, scheduled after the crew’s rest period.
Perigee refers to the lowest point in a spacecraft’s orbit around Earth. Raising it adjusts the shape of the orbit and prepares Orion for later phases of the mission, including potential translunar trajectories.
The maneuver follows an earlier apogee raise burn, which increased the spacecraft’s highest orbital point. Together, these burns define Orion’s initial orbital path and test propulsion performance under operational conditions.
Before the next burn, the crew completed routine spacecraft checks. During a systems review, they reported a blinking fault light in the onboard toilet system.
NASA ground teams are analyzing the data and working with the crew to diagnose the issue. No broader system impacts have been reported in official updates.
After a scheduled four-hour rest period, the astronauts are set to wake at 7 a.m. Eastern Time on April 2 to prepare for the maneuver. The timeline includes post-burn activities followed by another sleep cycle later in the morning.
The sequence of tests, adjustments, and troubleshooting reflects the mission’s dual purpose: demonstrating Orion’s readiness for deep space while gathering operational data from a live crewed environment.
NASA confirmed the Artemis II crew completed the apogee raise burn on April 2, increasing Orion’s orbital high point. The mission now transitions toward a proximity operations demonstration that will test manual spacecraft control near another object. Engineers continue to monitor a minor onboard system issue as the crew prepares for the next phase.
The spacecraft climbed higher. The mission grew more precise.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration confirmed that Artemis II successfully executed its apogee raise maneuver, a key step in refining the Orion spacecraft’s orbit around Earth. The burn, powered by the interim cryogenic propulsion stage’s RL10 engine, increased the spacecraft’s highest orbital point and aligned it for upcoming tests.
The maneuver follows earlier orbital adjustments and forms part of a carefully sequenced plan to prepare Orion for operations beyond low Earth orbit. NASA officials said the spacecraft remains in stable condition, with power generation and thermal systems operating within expected limits.
Artemis II apogee raise burn and orbit shaping
The apogee raise burn works in tandem with the previously completed perigee adjustment. Together, these maneuvers define the shape and altitude of Orion’s orbit, ensuring the spacecraft is positioned correctly for subsequent demonstrations and trajectory changes.
Mission controllers at Johnson Space Center continue to track performance data, confirming that propulsion and navigation systems responded as expected.
Ahead of the burn, astronauts also began configuring the spacecraft for sustained operations in orbit. That included routine system checks such as evaluating the onboard toilet system. During that procedure, the crew reported a blinking fault light, which engineers are now analyzing.
NASA has not indicated that the issue affects mission safety, but teams are working with the crew to identify its cause and resolve it.
Trajectory for Artemis II, NASA’s first flight with crew aboard SLS, Orion to pave the way for long-term return to the Moon, missions to Mars
Proximity operations demonstration and manual control testing
The next phase of Artemis II will focus on proximity operations, a critical test of Orion’s ability to maneuver near another spacecraft.
The demonstration will use the detached upper stage of the Space Launch System as a reference target. Astronauts will guide Orion, named Integrity, through a series of controlled movements to evaluate how the spacecraft performs under manual control.
Before the maneuver begins, communications will transition from NASA’s Near Space Network to the Deep Space Network, systems that support spacecraft from launch through deep-space operations.
During the approximately 70-minute exercise, Orion will approach the upper stage to within about 300 feet before pausing. The crew will then take manual control, using onboard hand controllers to make precise adjustments and assess responsiveness.
At a closer range of roughly 30 feet, astronauts will evaluate the spacecraft’s fine handling capabilities. These maneuvers will rely on the reaction control system thrusters located on Orion’s European-built service module.
NASA said the demonstration also includes an automated backflip maneuver, allowing Orion to reorient and face the target stage. The test will generate detailed data on navigation and control systems, including measurements from the spacecraft’s docking camera.
These data points are expected to inform future missions that require rendezvous and docking in lunar orbit, where traditional GPS systems are not available.
Preparing for future lunar operations
At the conclusion of the demonstration, Orion will execute an automated departure burn to safely distance itself from the upper stage. The stage will then perform a disposal maneuver, re-entering Earth’s atmosphere over a remote region of the Pacific Ocean.
NASA said the spacecraft’s systems remain stable as the crew transitions into this next phase. Solar arrays continue to generate power, and environmental conditions inside Orion remain within predicted ranges.
Public interest in the mission’s technical milestones remains high. “This is the kind of test that proves whether astronauts can really control the vehicle in deep space,” wrote Reddit user LunarOpsWatcher in a post with more than 1,100 upvotes, highlighting the importance of manual maneuvering capabilities.
Artemis II is designed as a test mission, but each milestone carries implications for future exploration. The proximity operations demonstration, in particular, addresses a key requirement for sustained human activity beyond Earth orbit.
With the apogee burn complete, Orion now moves into one of its most intricate tests yet.
NASA confirmed the Artemis II crew completed a perigee raise maneuver on April 2, refining Orion’s orbit around Earth. A brief communications loss occurred shortly after the burn but was quickly resolved with no reported impact on crew safety. The agency will hold a press conference from Kennedy Space Center as the mission prepares for its next orbital milestone.
A routine engine burn sharpened Artemis II’s orbit. Minutes later, mission control lost contact. Then the signal came back.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration said the Orion spacecraft successfully completed its perigee raise maneuver, one of the key early steps in shaping its path around Earth. The burn used the interim cryogenic propulsion stage’s RL10 engine to lift the spacecraft’s lowest orbital point, refining its trajectory for later mission phases.
The maneuver followed earlier orbital adjustments and forms part of a sequence designed to prepare Orion for operations beyond low Earth orbit. NASA officials said the burn occurred as planned, with precise timing required to achieve the desired orbital change.
Artemis II perigee raise burn and orbital adjustments
The perigee raise maneuver increases the spacecraft’s minimum altitude during its orbit. Along with a separate apogee raise burn, which affects the highest orbital point, these adjustments create a stable and elongated orbit suitable for further testing.
NASA said these burns are critical in preparing Orion for a planned high Earth orbit phase lasting about 23.5 hours. During that period, astronauts and ground teams will conduct system checkouts before committing to the next stage of the mission.
The work is coordinated through mission control at Johnson Space Center, where engineers track propulsion performance, navigation data, and onboard systems in real time.
A view over the shoulders of NASA astronauts Victor Glover (left) and Reid Wiseman (right), pilot and commander, respectively, inside the Orion spacecraft as they participate in a proximity operations demonstration. This demonstration tests the spacecraft’s ability to manually maneuver relative to another spacecraft, the interim cryogenic propulsion stage, after separation, using its onboard navigation sensors and reaction control thrusters. NASA
Brief communication dropout under review
Shortly after completing the burn, ground teams experienced a temporary loss of communications with the spacecraft. NASA said controllers were unable to receive data from Orion or the crew for a brief period.
The interruption resolved quickly. Astronauts reported that they continued to hear communications from the ground throughout the event, indicating that onboard systems remained functional.
NASA said engineers are reviewing telemetry to determine the cause of the dropout. The agency has not indicated any impact on mission safety or trajectory.
Such communication gaps, while uncommon, are treated as high-priority review items during test missions. Artemis II, as a crewed test flight, is designed to expose and evaluate system behavior under real operating conditions.
NASA press conference and mission leadership
NASA will hold a post-launch press conference at 8 p.m. EDT from the Kennedy Space Center to provide further updates.
Scheduled participants include NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, Associate Administrator Amit Kshatriya, Lori Glaze, who serves as acting associate administrator for the Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate, and Norm Knight, director of the Flight Operations Directorate.
The briefing is expected to address the completed maneuver, the communication anomaly, and upcoming mission steps.
Public attention remains fixed on the mission’s progress. “Even a small signal loss gets people nervous, but that’s why they test,” wrote Reddit user SpaceTrackLive in a post that drew more than 900 upvotes, reflecting cautious optimism among spaceflight observers.
Next milestone: apogee raise burn and system checks
The next major step for Artemis II is the apogee raise maneuver. This burn will increase the highest point of Orion’s orbit, complementing the earlier perigee adjustment.
Together, these orbital changes define the spacecraft’s path before it transitions into high Earth orbit operations. NASA said this phase will allow for extended system verification and crew activity in preparation for the mission’s later trajectory toward the Moon.
Engineers view these incremental milestones as essential. Each burn, test, and anomaly review contributes to a broader goal: confirming that Orion can safely carry astronauts through deep space and back.
For now, Artemis II continues to move step by step. One maneuver completed, one anomaly under review, and another burn on the horizon.
