Artemis 2 Mission Set for Historic Moon Flyby
Artemis 2 mission's Moon flyby: What to know
Inquirer
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On April 3, 2026, NASA's Artemis 2 mission will mark the first crewed lunar flyby in over 50 years, featuring a seven-hour journey around the Moon. This mission will set several records, including the first time a woman and a Black astronaut will reach the Moon, and will allow the crew to witness a solar eclipse and capture unique views of the lunar surface.
- 01Artemis 2 will be the first crewed lunar flyby since the Apollo missions, scheduled for April 3, 2026.
- 02The mission will feature a seven-hour flyby, with live coverage available on multiple platforms.
- 03The crew will include the first woman and first Black astronaut to reach the Moon.
- 04The spacecraft will surpass the Apollo 13 distance record by over 4,100 miles.
- 05Astronauts will experience a solar eclipse and potentially recreate the iconic 'Earthrise' photograph.
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NASA's Artemis 2 mission is set to make history on April 3, 2026, as it embarks on the first crewed lunar flyby in over 50 years. The mission will last approximately seven hours, beginning around 2:45 p.m. Eastern Time and concluding at 9:20 p.m.. The crew, which includes Christina Koch, the first woman, Victor Glover, the first Black astronaut, and Jeremy Hansen, a non-American, will reach a maximum distance of 252,757 miles (406,772 kilometers) from Earth, surpassing the Apollo 13 distance record by 4,102 miles (6,600 kilometers). During the flyby, the crew will pass behind the Moon, leading to a 40-minute communication blackout. They will witness a solar eclipse and have the opportunity to capture views of the Moon's far side, previously only seen by robotic missions. NASA scientists anticipate that the crew's observations will enhance understanding of the Moon's composition and history.
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The Artemis 2 mission is expected to inspire a new generation of scientists and engineers, highlighting the importance of diversity in space exploration.
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