The Artemis 2 astronauts saw several impact flashes on the moon during their epic flyby, observations that have excited scientists and mission planners alike.

Artemis II marked a huge step for NASA and humanity, launched on April 1, 2026, from Kennedy Space Center in Florida aboard the powerful SLS rocket. The mission sent four brave astronauts on a 9-day, 1-hour, 32-minute trip around the farthest point from Earth, circling the Moon's far side without landing.

The four Artemis II astronauts struggled to describe the view and overall experience of flying around the moon's far side and witnessing a solar eclipse in deep space.

President Donald Trump welcomed the Artemis II astronauts Wednesday, April 29, to the White House, where he praised their mission around the moon.

Mike Massimino is a retired NASA astronaut and veteran of two Space Shuttle missions.

The plumbing issues aboard the Orion capsule became headline news in the early days of the historic Artemis II mission.

NASA astronaut Chris Williams, who has became famous for his astral photography during his stint at the ISS, captured sights of fiery orbital debris.