NASA Releases First High-Resolution Photos from Artemis II Moon Flyby

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 07:47:00 +0200

NASA has shared the first images from the Artemis II mission, capturing the far side of the moon from a distance of 6,000 to 7,000 kilometers. These high-resolution photos, taken with professional cameras aboard the Orion spacecraft, offer unprecedented detail of lunar terrain, including the South Pole-Aitken basin where frozen water may exist. During their seven-hour approach, astronauts Christina Koch, Jeremy Hansen, Reid Wiseman, and Victor Glover documented lunar topography and observed solar activity, while also demonstrating NASA's ability to safely conduct crewed lunar flybys. The mission does not include landing but prepares the groundwork for Artemis IV, which aims to return humans to the lunar surface before 2030. The images will improve lunar maps, supporting scientific research and future exploration efforts by identifying potential resources. Artemis II marks a milestone in contemporary lunar exploration, combining historic achievement with modern technology to advance hum