NASA Artemis II Astronauts to Speak From Deep Space After Record Flyby

NASA’s Artemis II crew has conducted the first-ever press conference from deep space following a record-setting flyby of the Moon. The event, which took place on April 8, 2026, allowed the four astronauts to communicate with reporters while traveling back from the far side of the Moon.

The crew consists of NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch, along with Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen. As reported by Reuters, the astronauts used the press conference to share their emotions as they wrapped up the unprecedented flight and prepared for the final stages of their mission.

Lunar Flyby and Visual Documentation

The mission reached a critical milestone on April 6, 2026, during the lunar flyby. During this phase, the crew captured high-resolution imagery of the lunar surface and the surrounding space, which were later shared by NASA and the White House.

One significant image, captured at 6:41 p.m. EDT on April 6, 2026, depicts an Earthset. The image shows a muted blue Earth with bright white clouds setting behind the cratered lunar surface. In the foreground of the image, the Ohm crater is visible, featuring a flat floor and terraced edges.

According to NASA, the central peaks visible in the Ohm crater form when the lunar surface is liquefied on impact and splashes upwards during the crater’s formation. The image also shows the day side of Earth with swirling clouds visible over the Oceania and Australia region.

the crew documented a solar eclipse on April 6, 2026. From the perspective of the Orion spacecraft, the Moon appeared large enough to completely block the Sun, resulting in nearly 54 minutes of totality.

Transitioning from Lunar Gravity

Following the flyby, the Orion spacecraft began its journey back toward Earth. On April 7, 2026, the crew started their day at a distance of 36,286 miles from the Moon and 236,022 miles from Earth.

At 1:23 p.m. EDT on April 7, 2026, the spacecraft and its crew exited the lunar sphere of influence. This technical milestone marked the crew’s shift out of the Moon’s gravitational pull, officially beginning the return leg of the mission.

Deep Space Communications and Return

The communication event on April 8, 2026, represented a significant step in deep space operations, as it was the first time a press conference was held from such a distance. The astronauts spoke about the experience of the flight while navigating the return path from the far side of the Moon.

As of April 10, 2026, the crew is preparing to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere. The transition from the lunar environment back to Earth involves precise navigation and the management of the spacecraft’s systems to ensure a safe descent.