science
NASA's Artemis II Mission Circles Moon with International Crew and Public Engagements
NASA's Artemis II mission features four astronauts who completed the first crewed lunar flyby since 1972. The crew includes Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen and engaged in communications with world leaders and families during the journey. The mission advances plans for future lunar and Mars exploration.
cnet.comAudio version
Tap play to generate a narrated version.
NASA's Artemis II mission launched on a Space Launch System rocket, carrying four astronauts to orbit the moon. The crew consists of NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, along with Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen. This marks the first crewed mission to the moon since Apollo 17 in 1972.
The mission follows a trajectory that took the Orion spacecraft around the far side of the moon, entering a communications blackout period. During the flyby scheduled for Monday, the astronauts observed the lunar surface and collected data on the mission's systems. The journey represents a test for deeper space travel capabilities.
Minister Mark Carney conducted a video call with the Artemis II crew from Canada.
Carney expressed pride in the astronauts, particularly Hansen as Canada's first deep space traveler, and discussed their experiences in microgravity. The crew displayed a Canadian flag patch during the call, and Carney invited them to visit Canada after splashdown on April 10. The astronauts shared lighthearted moments, including a reference to a floating jar of Nutella observed in the capsule.
They also received a message from Apollo 16 astronaut Charlie Duke ahead of the lunar flyby. U.S. President Donald Trump called the crew to congratulate them on the journey.
“Canadians couldn't be more proud of you.”
the astronauts participated in mission activities from the ground in Houston. The mission began for families at astronaut assignment, with ongoing support during the flight. The crew shared emotional tributes, including naming a moon crater after Carroll, the late wife of Reid Wiseman, who died in 2020.
