Orion completes lunar flyby: Artemis II crew heads back to Earth

Four astronauts — Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen — entered the Moon’s gravitational influence on the fifth day of the mission. Orion executed the primary flyby maneuver, ensuring a precise trajectory around the satellite.

During the passage behind the Moon, communications with Earth were lost for about 40 minutes due to the lack of direct radio visibility. The signal disappeared at 01:44 Kyiv time and was restored after the spacecraft emerged on the illuminated side of the Moon.

Record distances and surface observations

At this stage, the crew reached a record distance from Earth — 406,773 km, surpassing the milestone set by Apollo 13. The closest approach to the Moon’s surface was just over 6,400 km. After this, Orion began moving away from the satellite and transitioned to the return trajectory.

The astronauts conducted detailed observations of the lunar surface. They photographed the Orientale Basin, approximately 960 km in diameter, examined new craters formed by meteorite impacts, and recorded five surface flashes caused by falling objects.

Astronomical phenomena and scientific activities

During the flyby, the crew witnessed a solar eclipse, when the Moon completely blocked the Sun and the lunar surface was illuminated by Earth’s reflected light. The astronauts also observed Mars and Saturn against the backdrop of the eclipsed Sun. Once Orion exited the communication blackout zone, contact with Mission Control was restored, and the crew continued the scientific program.

Naming new craters and next steps

As part of the mission, the astronauts proposed names for two lunar craters. One was named Integrity, in honor of the spacecraft, and the other Carroll, in memory of the late wife of mission commander Reid Wiseman.

In the coming days, Orion is expected to leave the Moon’s gravitational influence and perform a trajectory adjustment for a safe return to Earth. Splashdown is scheduled for April 10 in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California.