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Artemis II

Completed

First crewed lunar flyby since Apollo 17

Artemis II was the first crewed Moon mission in over five decades. From 1 to 11 April 2026 a four-person crew aboard the Orion spacecraft flew a 9-day free-return trajectory that looped behind the lunar far side and brought them safely back to a Pacific Ocean splashdown. It was the qualifying flight for Orion ahead of Artemis III, the crewed Human Landing System test in Earth orbit planned for late 2027, and Artemis IV, the first crewed lunar landing planned for early 2028.

Followed by over 1.1 million space enthusiasts worldwide in recent months.

Mission facts

Launch
Wed, 01 Apr 2026 22:35:12 UTC
Splashdown
Sat, 11 Apr 2026 00:07:00 UTC
Duration
9 days, 2 h
Max distance from Earth
406,770 km
Crew
4
Launch vehicle
SLS Block 1
Spacecraft
Orion
Launch site
LC-39B, Kennedy Space Center

Artemis II live trajectory tracker

Artemis Live Map

COMPLETED

Mission overview

Lift-off came at 22:35 UTC on 1 April 2026 from Launch Complex 39B at Kennedy Space Center. SLS Block 1 carried Orion and the European-built service module on the second flight of the Artemis programme. Eight and a half minutes later the core stage separated and the upper stage delivered the crew to a high-energy Earth orbit for systems checkout.

After a partial orbit raise, the Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage executed the Trans-Lunar Injection burn that sent Orion toward the Moon. The trajectory was a true free-return: a single TLI insertion put the spacecraft on a path that lunar gravity would slingshot back to Earth without further engine firings. If every Orion engine had failed after TLI the crew would still have come home.

On day 4 the spacecraft swung behind the lunar far side at a closest approach of roughly 10,000 km above the surface, briefly becoming the farthest humans had ever been from Earth, around 406,770 km. The crew completed life-support stress tests, manual rendezvous practice, and live broadcasts before beginning the return coast.

Re-entry on 11 April 2026 used a skip-entry profile: the capsule dipped into the upper atmosphere to shed energy, bounced briefly back into space, then descended for the main entry. The AVCOAT heat shield reached about 2,800 C while Orion decelerated from roughly 40,000 km/h. Splashdown came in the Pacific Ocean at 00:07 UTC and the US Navy recovered the capsule with crew aboard.

Primary objectives

  • Qualify Orion for crewed deep-space flight including life-support, environmental control, and waste management over a full mission duration.
  • Validate the European service module propulsion and power systems with humans aboard.
  • Demonstrate manual proximity operations against the spent Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage.
  • Verify communication links with Deep Space Network ground stations from beyond the Moon.
  • Validate the skip-entry profile and AVCOAT heat shield at a crewed lunar-return velocity.

Crew

Artemis II carried 4 astronauts on the first crewed Artemis flight.

  • Reid Wiseman

    Commander

    NASA

  • Victor Glover

    Pilot

    NASA

  • Christina Koch

    Mission Specialist

    NASA

  • Jeremy Hansen

    Mission Specialist

    CSA

Mission phases

  1. Launch & AscentDay 0.0 to 0.0
  2. Earth Orbit & CheckoutDay 0.0 to 1.1
  3. Trans-Lunar InjectionDay 1.1 to 1.1
  4. Outbound CoastDay 1.1 to 4.8
  5. Lunar FlybyDay 4.8 to 5.8
  6. Return CoastDay 5.8 to 9.0
  7. Re-entry & SplashdownFrom day 9.0

Mission itinerary

Ninety-four events covering launch, Trans-Lunar Injection, four days of outbound coast, the lunar far-side flyby, manual proximity operations, the return coast, and the skip-entry splashdown.

  1. Day -0.00SLS LaunchLaunch & Ascent

    Space Launch System lifts off from Launch Complex 39B at Kennedy Space Center with four astronauts aboard the Orion spacecraft. The twin solid rocket boosters and four RS-25 engines produce 8.8 million pounds of thrust.

  2. Day 0.00SRB SeparationLaunch & Ascent

    The twin solid rocket boosters separate from the core stage approximately 2 minutes after liftoff at an altitude of roughly 48 km (30 miles). The crew experiences a brief jolt as the boosters detach.

  3. Day 0.01Core Stage Separation & ICPS IgnitionLaunch & Ascent

    The SLS core stage separates and the Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage fires, placing Orion into an initial parking orbit at approximately 185 km (115 miles) altitude.

  4. Day 0.01Launch Escape System JettisonLaunch & Ascent

    The Launch Abort System tower is jettisoned, no longer needed once Orion reaches orbit. The fairing panels protecting the service module are also released.

  5. Day 0.01Solar Array DeploymentLaunch & Ascent

    Orion's four solar array wings unfold and begin generating approximately 11 kilowatts of power. The crew confirms nominal deployment from their instruments.

  6. Day 0.02Post-Insertion Spacecraft CheckoutLaunch & Ascent

    Crew begins initial checkout of Orion systems in orbit, verifying life support, power generation, navigation, and communications before committing to the TLI burn.

  7. Day 0.04Begin Earth Orbit & Checkout PhaseEarth Orbit & Checkout

    Orion enters the planned Earth orbit checkout period. The crew and ground controllers methodically verify all spacecraft systems are functioning correctly before committing to the trans-lunar injection burn.

  8. Day 0.10Life Support System VerificationEarth Orbit & Checkout

    The crew performs a thorough checkout of the Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS), verifying atmosphere composition, temperature regulation, and CO2 scrubbing are within parameters.

  9. Day 0.20Navigation & Communication ChecksEarth Orbit & Checkout

    Commander Wiseman and Pilot Glover verify the navigation system accuracy against ground tracking and test all communication links, including S-band voice and high-rate data.

  10. Day 0.35Crew Meal & Rest PeriodEarth Orbit & Checkout

    First scheduled meal aboard Orion. The crew takes a brief break after the intense launch and checkout sequence, eating and hydrating before the demanding TLI burn procedures.

  11. Day 0.50Propulsion System CheckoutEarth Orbit & Checkout

    Final verification of the ICPS upper stage and Orion main engine systems in preparation for Trans-Lunar Injection. Propellant levels and engine temperatures are confirmed nominal.

  12. Day 0.80TLI Readiness ReviewEarth Orbit & Checkout

    Mission Control and the crew complete the final go/no-go poll for the Trans-Lunar Injection burn. All systems are confirmed go, committing Orion to leave Earth orbit and head for the Moon.

  13. Day 1.00Crew Straps In for TLIEarth Orbit & Checkout

    All four crew members secure themselves in their seats and close their visors in preparation for the high-thrust Trans-Lunar Injection burn.

  14. Day 1.05Trans-Lunar Injection BurnTrans-Lunar Injection

    The ICPS upper stage fires for approximately 18 minutes, accelerating Orion from 7.8 km/s to roughly 10.8 km/s (24,200 mph). This is the critical burn that sends the crew on their way to the Moon. The crew feels sustained acceleration pressing them into their seats.

  15. Day 1.05ICPS Separation & Outbound Coast BeginsOutbound Coast

    Orion separates from the spent ICPS upper stage and begins the multi-day coast to the Moon. The crew can now remove their suits and move within the cabin. The ICPS performs a disposal maneuver into heliocentric orbit.

  16. Day 1.10Post-TLI Systems CheckOutbound Coast

    The crew verifies all spacecraft systems are nominal after the intense TLI burn. Solar array pointing, thermal control, and power generation are confirmed operational for the coast phase.

  17. Day 1.20Crew Suit Doff & Cabin ConfigurationOutbound Coast

    Crew removes their Orion Crew Survival System (OCSS) pressure suits and stows them. The cabin is reconfigured for the coast phase with sleeping accommodations and work areas set up.

  18. Day 1.38Crew Sleep Period 1Outbound Coast

    First scheduled sleep period for the crew in deep space. The crew takes shifts, with two sleeping while two monitor spacecraft systems.

  19. Day 1.75Outbound Trajectory Correction 1 (TCM-1)Outbound Coast

    First planned trajectory correction burn using the service module engine. Fine-tunes Orion's path toward the Moon based on actual TLI performance.

  20. Day 2.00Earth Observation SessionOutbound Coast

    The crew photographs Earth from increasing distance using onboard cameras. These images are used for public outreach and to calibrate the optical navigation system.

  21. Day 2.13Manual Piloting Demonstration — Koch & HansenOutbound Coast

    Mission Specialist Christina Koch and CSA astronaut Jeremy Hansen take turns controlling the Orion spacecraft to test its performance in deep space. For 41 minutes, the pair tests two different thruster modes — six degrees of freedom and three degrees of freedom — to provide engineers with more data about the spacecraft's piloting capabilities. Commander Wiseman and Pilot Glover are scheduled to repeat the demonstration on flight day 8 — Wednesday, April 9 — to give teams on the ground as many perspectives on the spacecraft as possible.

  22. Day 2.38Crew Sleep Period 2Outbound Coast

    Second scheduled crew rest period. Sleep stations in Orion accommodate two crew at a time in the lower equipment bay, using sleeping bags attached to the walls.

  23. Day 2.75Radiation Environment MonitoringOutbound Coast

    Crew reads out the onboard radiation dosimeters and reports their personal radiation exposure levels. This data validates the spacecraft's radiation shielding design for future deep-space missions.

  24. Day 3.00Outbound Trajectory Correction 2 (TCM-2)Outbound Coast

    Second trajectory correction burn to refine lunar approach geometry. The service module OMS engine fires briefly to adjust velocity and ensure the correct flyby altitude.

  25. Day 3.10Crew Midcourse Health CheckOutbound Coast

    All crew members perform a medical self-assessment using onboard instruments. Ground flight surgeons review the data to confirm no health concerns from the deep-space radiation and microgravity environment.

  26. Day 3.38Crew Sleep Period 3Outbound Coast

    Scheduled sleep period beginning at 3:00 a.m. CDT (08:00 UTC) on April 4. Mission Control is scheduled to wake the crew to begin flight day 4 at 11:35 a.m. CDT (16:35 UTC) on Saturday, April 4. The crew settles into a routine of 16 hours awake and 8 hours sleep during the coast to the Moon.

  27. Day 3.39Crew Selfies via Solar Array Wing CameraOutbound Coast

    The crew takes selfies using one of Orion's solar array wing cameras. The images are expected to be downlinked to the ground in the coming days.

  28. Day 3.40Crew Sleep Period 3 End / Flight Day 5 WakeupOutbound Coast

    The Artemis II crew is scheduled to go to sleep at 3:15 a.m. EDT on April 5. Mission Control will wake them to begin flight day 5 at noon on Sunday, April 5 (16:00 UTC).

  29. Day 3.75Deep Space Network Communications TestOutbound Coast

    Full checkout of all DSN communications links at extended distance from Earth. Tests high-data-rate video downlink and command uplink latency, now approximately 1.5 seconds each way.

  30. Day 3.76Outbound Trajectory Correction 1 CancelledOutbound Coast

    Flight controllers in Mission Control cancel the first outbound trajectory correction burn, as Orion's trajectory remains precisely on the right flight path. Any adjustments needed may be incorporated into a subsequent correction burn.

  31. Day 3.80Cabin Preparation for Lunar FlybyOutbound Coast

    The crew begins preparing the Orion spacecraft's cabin for the upcoming lunar observation period on Monday, April 6. Crew members also exercise, practice medical response procedures, and test the spacecraft's emergency communications system in deep space.

  32. Day 3.98Crew Wakeup — Flight Day 4Outbound Coast

    The Artemis II crew begins their fourth flight day to the tune of Chappell Roan's 'Pink Pony Club.' At wakeup, the spacecraft and its crew are approximately 169,000 miles from Earth, with the Moon approximately 110,700 miles away.

  33. Day 4.00Guidance, Navigation & Control CheckoutOutbound Coast

    Crew and ground controllers verify the accuracy of star trackers and inertial measurement units against ground-based tracking data as Orion approaches the halfway point to the Moon.

  34. Day 4.0524-Hour Acoustics Test BeginsOutbound Coast

    A 24-hour acoustics test begins to help engineers characterize the sound environment inside the Orion spacecraft during deep-space flight.

  35. Day 4.07Manual Piloting Demonstration — GloverOutbound Coast

    Pilot Victor Glover takes manual control of the Orion spacecraft at 9:10 p.m. EDT to test its performance in deep space, providing engineers with more data about the spacecraft's handling qualities across different movements. Commander Wiseman and Pilot Glover complete their counterpart demonstration to the one Koch and Hansen performed on flight day 3.

  36. Day 4.08Live Media Event from OrionOutbound Coast

    The Artemis II crew participates in a live media event aboard the Orion spacecraft during Flight Day 4, aired on NASA's 24/7 live coverage.

  37. Day 4.10Wastewater Vent Line MitigationOutbound Coast

    Flight controllers adjust Orion's attitude to point the wastewater vent toward the Sun to help clear a potentially clogged vent line. Engineers use vent heaters to melt any potential ice and orient the vent toward the Sun to mitigate the issue. Overnight, controllers vent wastewater overboard to free up space in the waste management system tank, though the activity ends earlier than expected. The wastewater tank remains operational and the toilet is functional; the crew is instructed to use backup collection devices overnight if needed.

  38. Day 4.10Crew Reviews Lunar Science TargetsOutbound Coast

    The crew reviews the list of lunar surface features provided by the NASA science team for observation and photography during the lunar flyby on April 6. The 30 targets include Orientale basin and Hertzsprung basin, among others.

  39. Day 4.15Saliva Sample Collection (AVATAR Payload)Outbound Coast

    The crew collects saliva samples as part of the immune biomarkers activity. The AVATAR payload, carrying bone marrow cells derived from crew blood samples, helps researchers study how the human immune system reacts to the deep-space environment.

  40. Day 4.20Optical Communications System Surpasses 100 GBOutbound Coast

    The Orion Artemis II Optical Communications System surpasses 100 gigabytes of data downlinked during the mission, including high-resolution images. The terminal uses laser communications — infrared light — to transmit more data than traditional radio-frequency systems, demonstrating potential for future lunar and deep-space missions.

  41. Day 4.30Outbound Trajectory Correction 2 CancelledOutbound Coast

    Flight controllers cancel a second planned outbound trajectory correction burn, as Orion's trajectory continues to remain precisely on track. Teams instead adjust the spacecraft's attitude to point a wastewater vent toward the Sun to help clear a potentially clogged vent line. The wastewater tank remains operational throughout.

  42. Day 4.40Crew Sleep Period 4Outbound Coast

    The final full sleep period before the lunar flyby. The crew begins their sleep period at 2:20 a.m. EDT on April 6 and rests up for the busy flyby activities ahead, the most dynamic portion of the mission.

  43. Day 4.71Orion Crew Survival System Suit DemonstrationOutbound Coast

    All four crew members conduct a full sequence of Orion Crew Survival System (OCSS) suit operations as a key mission test objective, including putting on and pressurizing their suits, performing leak checks, simulating seat entry, and assessing mobility and their ability to eat and drink in microgravity. The demonstration provides insight into suit performance during extended wear in deep space. The suit protects astronauts during dynamic phases of flight and provides life support in the event of cabin depressurization and survival operations after splashdown.

  44. Day 4.72Orion Enters Lunar Sphere of InfluenceOutbound Coast

    Orion enters the lunar sphere of gravitational influence at 12:37–12:41 a.m. EDT on April 6, at a distance of 41,072 miles from the Moon. From this point, the Moon's gravity becomes the dominant force controlling the spacecraft's trajectory. Mission Specialist Christina Koch remarks: 'We are now falling to the Moon rather than rising away from Earth. It is an amazing milestone!'

  45. Day 4.74Outbound Trajectory Correction 3 (OTC Burn)Outbound Coast

    The final outbound trajectory correction burn begins at 11:03 p.m. EDT on April 5 and lasts 17.5 seconds, refining the Orion spacecraft's path toward the Moon ahead of the lunar flyby. Koch and Hansen review procedures for the burn, with Hansen monitoring spacecraft configuration and navigation data. Earlier in the mission, flight controllers cancel the previous two planned trajectory correction burns as Orion's trajectory remains precise.

  46. Day 4.75Lunar Flyby PreparationsOutbound Coast

    All four crew members don their pressure suits and strap in for the lunar flyby. Systems are configured for the close approach. The crew performs final checklists with Mission Control.

  47. Day 4.76Crew Wakeup Call — Flight Day 6Outbound Coast

    The Artemis II crew receives their wakeup call at 10:50 a.m. EDT on April 6 to begin Flight Day 6. The crew wakes to the sounds of 'Good Morning' by Mandisa and TobyMac and receives a special pre-recorded message from Apollo 8 and Apollo 13 astronaut Jim Lovell, recorded before his passing in 2025, congratulating and encouraging the crew on their historic lunar flyby day.

  48. Day 4.80Science Officer Lunar Flyby BriefingOutbound Coast

    NASA's lunar science officer in the Mission Control Center at Johnson Space Center briefs the Artemis II crew on their science goals for the upcoming lunar observation period at 1:30 p.m. EDT, including the final list of 30 lunar surface targets.

  49. Day 4.80Moon Visible from WindowsOutbound Coast

    The Moon fills the windows of the Orion crew module as the spacecraft rapidly approaches. The crew captures photographs and video of the growing lunar disc for the first time in over 50 years with human eyes.

  50. Day 4.80Outbound Trajectory Correction 3 (TCM-3)Outbound Coast

    Final trajectory correction before lunar flyby. This burn locks in the precise approach altitude and angle for the free-return flyby. Any further corrections would be emergency contingency burns only.

  51. Day 4.81Human Spaceflight Distance Record BrokenLunar Flyby

    At 1:56 p.m. EDT on April 6, the Artemis II crew surpasses the Apollo 13 record of 248,655 miles (400,171 km) from Earth, set in 1970, becoming the farthest humans have ever traveled from home. Jeremy Hansen marks the moment: '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.'

  52. Day 4.82Crew Names Lunar CratersLunar Flyby

    Shortly after 2 p.m. EDT, the crew describes two small, unnamed craters on the lunar surface. Just northwest of Orientale basin, they propose naming one crater Integrity after their spacecraft and the historic mission. Just northeast of Integrity, on the near and far side boundary and sometimes visible from Earth, they propose naming another crater Carroll in honor of Commander Reid Wiseman's late wife, Carroll Taylor Wiseman, who passed away on May 17, 2020. The crater name proposals will be formally submitted to the International Astronomical Union after the mission is complete.

  53. Day 4.82Crew Configures Cabin for Flyby OperationsOutbound Coast

    At approximately 2:15 p.m. EDT, the crew configures the Orion cabin for lunar flyby operations ahead of the start of the lunar observation period, originally scheduled to begin at 2:45 p.m. EDT.

  54. Day 4.84Lunar Surface Observation & PhotographyLunar Flyby

    The roughly seven-hour lunar observation period begins as Orion is close enough to the Moon for the crew to make detailed observations of 30 geologic targets including Orientale basin and Hertzsprung basin. Orientale is a nearly 600-mile-wide, 3.8-billion-year-old crater straddling the near and far sides, fully illuminated during the approach. Hertzsprung is a nearly 400-mile older ringed basin northwest of Orientale on the far side, offering contrast in crater degradation over geologic timescales. The crew reports colour nuances and surface features to scientists in the Science Evaluation Room at mission control. Observations are originally scheduled to begin at 2:45 p.m. EDT.

  55. Day 4.86Science Evaluation Room Receives Crew ObservationsLunar Flyby

    A lively stream of science observations from the crew throughout the flyby is received with grins, nods, and chatter in the Science Evaluation Room, where lunar scientists support the observations in mission control. The crew reports color nuances — shades of browns and blues visible to human eyes that reveal mineral composition and age of surface features. As crew reports are received, the science team updates the observation plan based on follow-up questions and sends new guidance up to the crew.

  56. Day 4.87Reiner Gamma & Glushko Crater ObservationsLunar Flyby

    As Orion approaches the Moon on the near side, the crew observes future CLPS landing site Reiner Gamma — a bright, mysterious swirl whose origin 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. People in parts of the eastern hemisphere can view some of the same features from Earth.

  57. Day 5.01Loss of Signal (Behind the Moon)Lunar Flyby

    Orion passes behind the Moon and loses line-of-sight communication with Earth at 6:44 p.m. EDT. The crew relies on onboard systems during this approximately 40-minute blackout, the most isolated point of the mission. Just before loss of signal, Pilot Victor Glover addresses Earth: '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.'

  58. Day 5.02Closest Lunar ApproachLunar Flyby

    Orion reaches its closest point to the Moon at approximately 4,067 miles above the lunar surface at 7:00 p.m. EDT, while behind the Moon and out of communications contact with Earth. The crew becomes the first humans to see the lunar far side with their own eyes since Apollo 17 in 1972. They also witness 'Earthset' as Earth drops below the lunar horizon before the blackout.

  59. Day 5.02Maximum Distance from Earth Record SetLunar Flyby

    At 7:02 p.m. EDT, as Orion passes behind the Moon, the crew reaches the mission's maximum distance from Earth at 252,756 miles — 4,111 miles farther than Apollo 13's record of 248,655 miles — setting a new absolute record for the farthest humans have ever traveled from Earth.

  60. Day 5.03Earthset ObservedLunar Flyby

    At approximately 6:41 p.m. EDT, as Orion travels behind the Moon, the crew witnesses 'Earthset' — the moment Earth drops below the lunar horizon from Orion's perspective — marking another milestone in the mission's lunar flyby. Earth re-emerges at 'Earthrise' from the opposite edge of the Moon approximately 40 minutes later.

  61. Day 5.03Acquisition of Signal (Moon Exit) & EarthriseLunar Flyby

    Communication with Earth is re-established at approximately 7:25 p.m. EDT as Orion emerges from behind the Moon. The crew witnesses 'Earthrise' — Earth coming back into view on the opposite edge of the Moon — moments before the Deep Space Network reacquires the spacecraft's signal. The crew confirms all systems are nominal.

  62. Day 5.04Victor Glover Farewell Message Before Loss of SignalLunar Flyby

    Just before the planned communications blackout at 6:44 p.m. EDT, Pilot Victor Glover addresses Earth: '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.'

  63. Day 5.05Solar Eclipse Observation BeginsLunar Flyby

    At 8:35 p.m. EDT, Orion, the Moon, and the Sun align, beginning a nearly hour-long solar eclipse visible to the crew. The astronauts watch the Sun disappear behind a mostly darkened Moon and analyze the solar corona — the Sun's outermost atmosphere — as it glows around the lunar edge.

  64. Day 5.05Meteoroid Impact Flashes Observed on Lunar SurfaceLunar Flyby

    During the solar eclipse, with the Moon largely unlit, the crew reports observing six flashes of light created by meteoroids impacting the lunar surface at many thousands of miles per hour. Scientists plan to correlate these observations with data from ground-based amateur observers and downlinked imagery to determine precise times and locations of the impacts.

  65. Day 5.06Meteoroid Impact Flashes Observed — Additional DetailsLunar Flyby

    During the solar eclipse, with the Moon largely unlit, the crew observes six flashes of light created by meteoroids impacting the lunar surface at many thousands of miles per hour. Scientists plan to correlate these observations with data from ground-based amateur observers and downlinked imagery to determine precise times and locations of the impacts.

  66. Day 5.08Lunar Observation Period ConcludesLunar Flyby

    The roughly seven-hour lunar observation period concludes at approximately 9:20–9:35 p.m. EDT. The crew completes observations of 30 geologic targets including Orientale basin and Hertzsprung basin, reporting color nuances, crater morphology, ancient lava flows, and surface cracks and ridges to scientists in the Science Evaluation Room. The crew then begins their return trip home.

  67. Day 5.08Presidential Call — President Trump Congratulates CrewLunar Flyby

    Following the conclusion of the lunar observation period, the Artemis II crew participates in a live conversation with President Donald J. Trump, who congratulates them on their historic lunar flyby. The conversation airs as part of NASA's continuing live coverage of the mission. The crew also speaks with NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman and answers questions from social media.

  68. Day 5.09Longest Deep-Space Email Record SetLunar Flyby

    Shortly after 2 p.m. EDT, NASA Flight Director Brandon Lloyd, Capsule Communicator Amy Dill, and Command and Handling Data Officer Brandon Borter email the crew what is believed to be the longest person-to-person message ever sent in human history, marking a lighthearted communications milestone during the lunar flyby.

  69. Day 5.15Post-Flyby Trajectory AssessmentLunar Flyby

    Ground controllers confirm the free-return trajectory is nominal following the gravity-assist flyby. No corrective burns needed; the Moon's gravity has successfully redirected Orion back toward Earth.

  70. Day 5.30Post-Flyby Crew DebriefLunar Flyby

    The crew removes their pressure suits and debriefs with Mission Control about the flyby experience. They share their observations of the lunar surface and far side, and the crew's wellbeing is assessed.

  71. Day 5.78Return Coast Phase BeginsReturn Coast

    Orion exits the lunar sphere of influence at 41,072 miles from the Moon at 1:25 p.m. EDT on April 7. The Moon's gravitational slingshot redirects the spacecraft homeward. Earlier that morning, the crew discusses their flyby observations with the lunar science team in a broadcast conversation.

  72. Day 6.00Crew Sleep Period 5Return Coast

    First rest period on the return leg. The crew has now completed the most demanding part of the mission profile and settles back into a routine for the multi-day coast home.

  73. Day 6.02Crew Discussion with Lunar Science TeamReturn Coast

    On Tuesday, April 7, the crew discusses their lunar observations from the flyby with the lunar science team in a conversation broadcast on NASA's live coverage. Scientists review imagery, audio, and other data downlinked overnight following the flyby.

  74. Day 6.50Return Trajectory Correction 1 (TCM-4)Return Coast

    Post-flyby trajectory correction burn to fine-tune the return approach to Earth. Ensures the re-entry corridor targeting is within acceptable limits.

  75. Day 7.00Crew Sleep Period 6Return Coast

    Scheduled crew sleep period during the return coast. Earth grows larger in the windows each day as the spacecraft accelerates homeward.

  76. Day 7.25Waste Management & Cabin MaintenanceReturn Coast

    Routine cabin maintenance activities including waste system servicing, water system checks, and general housekeeping. The crew manages consumables for the remaining days of flight.

  77. Day 7.50Return Trajectory Correction 2 (TCM-5)Return Coast

    Second return trajectory correction. These small burns ensure Orion enters the atmosphere at precisely the right angle -- too steep risks excessive G-forces, too shallow risks skipping off into space.

  78. Day 7.75Live Television Broadcast from Deep SpaceReturn Coast

    The crew conducts a live television broadcast from Orion, sharing their experiences and showing Earth from deep space. They discuss the mission and what the view of Earth from beyond the Moon means to them.

  79. Day 8.00Crew Sleep Period 7Return Coast

    Scheduled rest period as Earth continues to grow larger through the windows. The crew is two days from splashdown.

  80. Day 8.50Return Trajectory Correction 3 (TCM-6)Return Coast

    Final trajectory correction to lock in the re-entry corridor. After this burn, Orion's path to the splashdown zone is set. The target is a flight path angle of approximately -1.4 degrees at atmospheric interface.

  81. Day 8.75Re-entry Procedure ReviewReturn Coast

    The crew reviews re-entry procedures, emergency contingencies, and splashdown protocols with Mission Control. This includes the skip re-entry technique, parachute deployment timeline, and post-splashdown procedures.

  82. Day 8.85Final Pre-Entry Burn (8-Second Thruster Firing)Return Coast

    The Orion spacecraft ignites its thrusters for 8 seconds at 2:53 p.m. EDT, producing a change in velocity of 4.2 feet-per-second and pushing Artemis II toward Earth. Commander Wiseman, Pilot Glover, and Mission Specialists Koch and Hansen review procedures and monitor the spacecraft's configuration and navigation data ahead of splashdown.

  83. Day 8.90Crew Stow & Cabin Preparation for Re-entryReturn Coast

    The crew stows all loose items, secures equipment, and reconfigures the cabin for re-entry. Sleeping gear and personal items are packed. The cabin is prepared for the high G-force environment ahead.

  84. Day 9.00Crew Suit-Up for Re-entryReturn Coast

    All four crew members don their Orion Crew Survival System (OCSS) pressure suits for the final time. Suits are pressure-checked and communication links verified. The crew straps into their seats.

  85. Day 9.01Service Module SeparationRe-entry & Splashdown

    The European Service Module separates from the crew module approximately 30 minutes before atmospheric interface. The service module, which provided power and propulsion for the entire mission, will burn up on re-entry.

  86. Day 9.02Crew Module ReorientationRe-entry & Splashdown

    The crew module rotates 180 degrees to position its heat shield facing forward into the direction of travel. Crew confirms the heat shield orientation and all systems are go for atmospheric entry.

  87. Day 9.05Atmospheric Interface (Entry)Re-entry & Splashdown

    Orion reaches 120 km (75 miles) altitude at approximately 11 km/s (25,000 mph). The heat shield begins experiencing temperatures of up to 2,760 degrees C (5,000 degrees F). The crew experiences increasing G-forces as the atmosphere decelerates the capsule.

  88. Day 9.05Skip Re-entry ManeuverRe-entry & Splashdown

    Orion performs the skip re-entry technique: dipping into the atmosphere to decelerate, then briefly skipping back up to 60+ km altitude before plunging in for final descent. This spreads heat loads over two passes and allows precision landing targeting within 1.8 km of the recovery ship.

  89. Day 9.05Communications BlackoutRe-entry & Splashdown

    A sheath of superheated plasma surrounds the crew module during peak heating, creating a communications blackout lasting several minutes. The crew is on their own during this intense period.

  90. Day 9.06Drogue Parachute DeploymentRe-entry & Splashdown

    Two drogue parachutes deploy at approximately 7.6 km (25,000 feet) altitude, stabilising the crew module and slowing it from roughly 480 km/h (300 mph). The crew feels a sharp deceleration jolt.

  91. Day 9.06Main Parachute DeploymentRe-entry & Splashdown

    Three 35-metre (116-foot) main parachutes deploy at approximately 3 km (10,000 feet), slowing the crew module to roughly 32 km/h (20 mph) for splashdown. The crew confirm all three chutes are fully inflated.

  92. Day 9.06SplashdownRe-entry & Splashdown

    Orion splashes down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego at 8:07 p.m. EDT. The approximately 10-day mission concludes with the first crewed return from lunar distance in over 50 years. The four astronauts become the first humans to fly around the Moon since 1972.

  93. Day 9.07Post-Splashdown StabilisationRe-entry & Splashdown

    The crew module is stable in the water with uprighting bags deployed if needed. The crew monitors cabin atmosphere and temperature while awaiting recovery forces. Navy divers approach by helicopter.

  94. Day 9.12Recovery Operations BeginRe-entry & Splashdown

    NASA and Department of War personnel, along with the USS John P. Murtha recovery team and Navy divers, secure the Orion capsule. The well deck flooding procedure begins to bring Orion aboard the ship. The crew egresses the capsule on the ship's deck.

Artemis II questions

What was Artemis II?
Artemis II was NASA’s first crewed mission to the Moon since Apollo 17 in December 1972. It launched on 1 April 2026 at 22:35 UTC from Launch Complex 39B at Kennedy Space Center carrying four astronauts aboard the Orion spacecraft atop an SLS Block 1 rocket. The crew flew a free-return trajectory that looped behind the far side of the Moon and returned home, splashing down in the Pacific Ocean on 11 April 2026 at 00:07 UTC.
Who flew on Artemis II?
The Artemis II crew were Commander Reid Wiseman (NASA), Pilot Victor Glover (NASA, the first Black astronaut to fly to the Moon), Mission Specialist Christina Koch (NASA, who already held the record for the longest single spaceflight by a woman), and Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen (Canadian Space Agency, the first Canadian to fly to the Moon).
How long did Artemis II last?
Artemis II lasted 9 days and 1 hour from launch to splashdown. Orion travelled about 1.6 million kilometres in total, reached a maximum distance of approximately 406,770 km from Earth, and looped behind the Moon at an altitude of roughly 10,000 km above the lunar surface before returning to Earth.
What is a free-return trajectory?
A free-return trajectory is a flight path where a single engine burn (Trans-Lunar Injection) sends the spacecraft toward the Moon, after which lunar and Earth gravity carry it the rest of the way home with no additional firings required. The Moon slings Orion around its far side and redirects it back toward Earth. That makes it the safest possible trajectory for a crewed shakedown flight: even if the engines failed after TLI, the crew would still come home.
What happened during Artemis II re-entry?
Orion used a skip re-entry: it dipped into the upper atmosphere to shed speed, bounced back up briefly, then descended for final entry. The AVCOAT heat shield endured temperatures of around 2,800 degrees C while the capsule decelerated from roughly 40,000 km/h. A short communications blackout occurred during the hottest phase of entry. The capsule then deployed parachutes and splashed down in the Pacific Ocean for recovery by the US Navy.
How was Artemis II different from Apollo lunar flights?
Artemis II did not enter lunar orbit and did not land on the Moon: it was a single free-return loop around the lunar far side, similar in profile to Apollo 8 but flown to validate the Orion spacecraft for future surface missions. Artemis III, planned for late 2027, will be a crewed Human Landing System test in Earth orbit, comparable to Apollo 9. The first crewed lunar landing of the programme is Artemis IV, planned for early 2028, in which Orion will rendezvous in lunar orbit with a pre-positioned Human Landing System (either SpaceX Starship HLS or Blue Origin Blue Moon) before two astronauts descend to the south polar region.
Can I replay the Artemis II mission?
Yes. The ISSINFO Artemis tracker carries the full pre-rendered trajectory of Artemis II sourced from NASA JPL Horizons. Open the live tracker, select Artemis II from the mission menu, then scrub the timeline to any moment of the flight to see Orion’s position, velocity, distance from Earth and the Moon, the active mission phase, and the Deep Space Network status at that instant.

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Artemis programme overview

The full Artemis mission directory: programme background, current status of each flight, and links to every dedicated tracker.

Artemis I

Uncrewed test flight, Distant Retrograde Orbit

Artemis III

Crewed Human Landing System test in Earth orbit

Live ISS tracker

See where the International Space Station is right now and when it will pass over your location next.