tech
April 4, 2026
First sights from deep space: Artemis 2 mission astronauts send fascinating images of Earth
Four astronauts on the Artemis 2 mission have left Earth's orbit, as the Orion spacecraft fired its main engine for the final push to the Moon.
TL;DR
- The Artemis 2 mission's four astronauts have left Earth's orbit and are traveling to the Moon.
- The Orion spacecraft successfully completed its trans-lunar injection burn.
- The crew will orbit the Moon for approximately 10 days and is expected to travel about 406,000 kilometers from Earth.
- This mission is a step towards a human lunar landing planned for 2028 (Artemis 4).
- The astronauts sent back two photos of Earth from space.