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NASA Implements Radiation Protection for Artemis Crew During Solar Storms

NASA Implements Radiation Protection for Artemis Crew During Solar Storms

NASA has developed advanced radiation protection measures for the Artemis II crew to mitigate the risks posed by space radiation and solar storms. The Orion spacecraft is equipped with shielding made from materials rich in hydrogen, such as plastics and food and water, to limit radiation exposure. Additionally, the spacecraft features a 'storm shelter' plan, allowing astronauts to reconfigure their cabin to place more mass between them and incoming radiation during solar events. NASA also employs AI-driven space weather forecasting and monitoring systems to provide advance notice of potential solar activity.
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ADVACAM's Radiation Chips Enhance Safety for Artemis II Mission

ADVACAM's Radiation Chips Enhance Safety for Artemis II Mission

ADVACAM, a Czech company, is supplying six radiation-measuring chips for NASA's Artemis II mission. These chips are designed to assess cosmic radiation effects on astronauts and the Orion spacecraft's electronics. The technology, known as HERA (Hybrid Electronic Radiation Assessor), has previously been tested aboard the International Space Station (ISS). With the sun at solar maximum, HERA acts as a warning system for solar flares, prompting the crew to minimize exposure by moving to the spacecraft's central area. The data collected aims to improve safety for future spaceflights by enhancing radiation shielding and reducing the risk of space debris caused by radiation damage.
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Artemis II Crew Prepares for Return to Earth After Historic Mission

Artemis II Crew Prepares for Return to Earth After Historic Mission

The Artemis II crew is preparing to return to Earth after a successful lunar flyby. The mission, which included NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen, is set to conclude with a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean on April 10, 2026. The crew has been conducting final preparations, including reviewing re-entry procedures and securing equipment. The mission marks the first crewed lunar mission in over 50 years and has set records for distance traveled from Earth. The crew's return will be closely monitored by NASA and military teams to ensure a safe recovery.
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NASA's Artemis II Crew Achieves Historic Milestone with Record-Breaking Lunar Mission

NASA's Artemis II Crew Achieves Historic Milestone with Record-Breaking Lunar Mission

NASA's Artemis II mission has set a new record for the farthest distance traveled by humans in space. On April 6, 2026, the four astronauts aboard the Artemis II test flight reached 248,655 miles from Earth, surpassing the previous record set by Apollo 13 in 1970. The mission, which involves a test flight around the Moon, is part of NASA's efforts to advance human space exploration. The crew is scheduled to return to Earth with a splashdown off the coast of San Diego on April 10, 2026. This mission is a significant step in NASA's Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon and eventually send astronauts to Mars.
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Artemis II Prepares for Critical Reentry Challenge

Artemis II Prepares for Critical Reentry Challenge

NASA's Artemis II mission is approaching its most perilous phase: reentry into Earth's atmosphere. The spacecraft's survival hinges on the Orion capsule's heat shield, designed to withstand extreme temperatures during descent. Previous issues with the Artemis I heat shield, which experienced unexpected cracking, have been addressed by Lockheed Martin, the capsule's manufacturer. Adjustments to the Avcoat material application aim to prevent similar problems. The mission's success is crucial for future crewed lunar expeditions, as it tests the integrity of the heat shield under real conditions.
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NASA Releases Stunning Images from Artemis II Lunar Flyby

NASA Releases Stunning Images from Artemis II Lunar Flyby

NASA has released new images from the Artemis II mission, showcasing the 'Earthset' and a solar eclipse as seen from the far side of the moon. The crew, aboard the Orion capsule, reached a record distance of 252,756 miles from Earth, surpassing Apollo 13's record. During the seven-hour flyby, astronauts captured views of the lunar surface, including previously unseen features like the Orientale Basin. The mission's images provide valuable insights into the moon's geology and origins, aiding future lunar exploration. The crew also witnessed a solar eclipse, observing the sun's corona and planets like Mars and Venus. The images highlight the mission's scientific achievements and the extraordinary human experience of space exploration.
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Live View from NASA's Artemis II Orion Spacecraft

Live View from NASA's Artemis II Orion Spacecraft

NASA's Artemis II mission provides a live view from the Orion spacecraft as the crew continues their 10-day journey around the Moon. The live feed offers a unique perspective of the mission, allowing the public to witness the spacecraft's journey in real-time. The Artemis II mission is a crucial step in NASA's efforts to return humans to the Moon, testing key systems and technologies necessary for future lunar exploration.
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NASA Experiences Temporary Communication Blackout with Artemis II Astronauts During Lunar Flyby

NASA Experiences Temporary Communication Blackout with Artemis II Astronauts During Lunar Flyby

NASA has temporarily lost communication with the four astronauts aboard the Artemis II mission as the Orion spacecraft passes behind the moon. This predicted blackout marks a critical phase of the crewed lunar flyby. The loss of signal occurred at 6:44 p.m. ET as Orion traveled along the far side of the moon, where the lunar body blocks direct line-of-sight communications between the spacecraft and Earth. NASA officials have emphasized that the blackout is a normal and anticipated part of the mission, lasting roughly 40 minutes before reestablishing contact. Artemis II is NASA’s first crewed mission under the Artemis program, designed to test Orion’s life-support systems, propulsion, navigation, and heat shield in deep space for the first time with humans onboard.
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Artemis II Crew Approaches Moon, Set to Break Distance Record

Artemis II Crew Approaches Moon, Set to Break Distance Record

The Artemis II mission is currently underway, with its crew expected to break the record for the farthest distance humans have traveled from Earth. This mission, which involves a flyby of the moon, is a significant milestone in space exploration. The crew is anticipated to surpass the previous record set by the Apollo 13 mission. As part of the mission, the astronauts will provide updates on their journey and experiences as they approach the moon. This event is being covered live, highlighting the advancements in space travel and the ongoing efforts to explore beyond Earth's orbit.
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Artemis II Crew Breaks Record for Farthest Distance Traveled from Earth

Artemis II Crew Breaks Record for Farthest Distance Traveled from Earth

The Artemis II mission has achieved a historic milestone as its four-person crew broke the Apollo 13 record for the farthest distance traveled from Earth. This achievement is part of NASA's broader Artemis program, which aims to advance human space exploration. The mission's success demonstrates the capabilities of modern space technology and the potential for future deep space missions. CBS News reported on this significant accomplishment, highlighting the crew's journey and the mission's objectives.
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Artemis II Crew Prepares for Final Days of Mission Before Earth Return

Artemis II Crew Prepares for Final Days of Mission Before Earth Return

The Artemis II crew, consisting of four astronauts, is currently on their return journey to Earth after completing a historic mission around the moon. As they approach the final days of their mission, the crew is engaged in various activities to prepare for their scheduled splashdown. Retired NASA astronaut Bonnie Dunbar provided insights into the crew's activities, which include conducting final scientific experiments and ensuring all systems are ready for re-entry. The mission represents a significant achievement in NASA's Artemis program, which aims to establish a sustainable human presence on the moon.
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Artemis II Astronauts Achieve Record-Breaking Lunar Flyby

Artemis II Astronauts Achieve Record-Breaking Lunar Flyby

NASA's Artemis II mission has set a new record for the farthest distance traveled by humans in space. On April 6, 2026, the mission surpassed the previous record set by Apollo 13 in 1970, reaching a maximum distance of 252,757 miles from Earth. The mission, which launched from Kennedy Space Center on April 1, 2026, involves a 10-day lunar flyby to test systems for future moon landings. The crew includes Americans Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian Jeremy Hansen. The mission aims to validate the Orion spacecraft's capabilities and gather data for future lunar explorations.