Join the astronauts on their historic slingshot around the moon. By Elisha Sauers on April 6, 2026.
Artemis II is nearing its climactic moment as the crew prepares for its closely choreographed lunar flyby, where their spacecraft will swing around the moon’s far side. NASA will broadcast this space event live on April 6. The crew will perform a detailed science plan with 30 observation targets. Some astronauts will take photos of the moon, while others will provide support within the cabin. As the spacecraft moves behind the moon, Earth will slide out of view during a dramatic Earthset. Radio contact with mission control in Houston will drop for about 40 minutes due to the moon blocking the line of sight, but the crew will continue their work.
Discover more on how to witness this milestone, why scientists are excited about the lunar observations, and what the astronauts will experience.