NASA's Artemis II Captures April 3 Image of Earth's Illuminated Edge
Updated
Updated · NASA · May 7
NASA's Artemis II Captures April 3 Image of Earth's Illuminated Edge
7 articles · Updated · NASA · May 7
An April 3, 2026 image from Artemis II shows a thin, brightly lit sliver of Earth against the darkness of space, NASA said.
Artemis II was the first crewed flight in NASA's series of missions testing human deep-space capabilities.
The mission is intended to pave the way for future lunar surface missions under the Artemis program.
With its lunar space station paused, can NASA's direct-to-surface plan succeed without a vital orbital outpost?
NASA's Moon plan hinges on unproven commercial landers. What is the backup if this critical technology fails?
As rival blocs eye lunar resources, is a new space race turning the Moon into a potential conflict zone?
Artemis II’s 2026 Mission: Unprecedented Earth Imagery, Human Stories, and Strategic Shifts in Lunar Exploration
Overview
The Artemis II mission offered the world stunning new views of Earth, with images and videos captured by the crew as they traveled beyond low Earth orbit. Guided by scientists, the astronauts focused on photographing key features, sharing their excitement and making the experience relatable to the public. These fresh perspectives, including both 'Earthrise' and 'Earthset' images, echo the iconic Apollo 8 photo and highlight visible changes on our planet, such as the Antarctic Peninsula. The mission’s shared visuals and stories have inspired global audiences, blending scientific achievement with a powerful human connection.