After Milestone-Rich Lunar Flyby, Astronauts Start Trip Home
by Maggy DONALDSON
The Artemis II astronauts wrapped up their lunar flyby as they continue their journey back to Earth on Tuesday, bringing with them rich celestial observations including little-known lunar craters, a solar eclipse, and meteor strikes that scientists hope will open doors.
"Humans probably have not evolved to see what we're seeing," said Victor Glover. "It is truly hard to describe. It is amazing."
The crew, consisting of four astronauts, were treated to a view of the moon unlike any other for nearly seven hours. They reported in vivid detail the features of the lunar surface and later witnessed a solar eclipse, when the moon passed in front of the sun. Furthermore, they described flashes of light on the moon's surface that were meteor strikes.
Record-Breaking Mission
As they broke the distance record previously set by the Apollo 13 mission, Kelsey Young, the lead scientist for Artemis II, expressed gratitude for the crew's contributions.
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance Surpassed | 252,756 miles (406,771 kilometers) |
| Record Held By | Apollo 13 mission |
During a late-night call from U.S. President Donald Trump, the astronauts were praised as "modern-day pioneers." Trump noted, "You've really inspired the entire world" and lauded their courage.
Looking Back at Their Historic Journey
The crew's experiences highlighted the profound nature of their mission, which showcased significant scientific contributions alongside unprecedented human achievements:
- First person of color to fly around the moon: Victor Glover
- First woman to orbit the moon: Christina Koch
- First non-American astronaut: Jeremy Hansen
Future Implications
The mission has provided a wealth of observations, prompting potential scientific advancements in lunar research.
Lunar Naming Honors
The astronauts proposed names for two previously unnamed lunar craters, one for their spacecraft "Integrity" and another named "Carroll" in honor of mission commander Reid Wiseman's late wife. This moment during their mission underscored the emotional and human elements of exploratory efforts.
"Integrity and Carroll crater, loud and clear. Thank you," said mission control.
NASA will formally submit the names to the International Astronomical Union.
