Artemis II Crew Begins Return to Earth After Historic Lunar Mission
The Artemis II mission, marking the first crewed lunar mission of the 21st century, has begun its return journey to Earth. On April 7, 2026, the crew crossed the lunar sphere of influence, transitioning from the Moon's gravitational pull to Earth's. The mission, which includes Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialists Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen, has provided stunning high-definition images of the Moon, including views of the far side and a solar eclipse. The crew has also surpassed the distance record for human spaceflight, previously held by Apollo 13. The mission's success is crucial for the upcoming Artemis III mission, which aims to land the first woman and person of color on the Moon.