Artemis II Crew Captures Stunning 'Earthrise' Photo as They Approach the Moon

As the Orion spacecraft glides closer to the Moon, the Artemis II crew has achieved a deeply emotional milestone: recreating the legendary "Earthrise" photograph first captured by Apollo 8 astronaut William Anders in 1968.

A 58-Year-Old Legacy Renewed

The original Earthrise photo, taken on December 24, 1968, showed our blue planet rising above the barren lunar horizon. It became one of the most influential photographs ever taken, credited with sparking the modern environmental movement. Now, for the first time in over five decades, human eyes are once again witnessing this breathtaking view.

The View from Orion

Commander Reid Wiseman described the moment during a live broadcast from the capsule: the thin blue atmosphere wrapping Earth like a fragile shell, set against the stark gray of the Moon's surface. The crew reported that no photograph or simulation could prepare them for the emotional impact of seeing Earth as a small, distant sphere.

Mission Status Update

All Orion systems continue to perform nominally. The spacecraft's European Service Module, built by the European Space Agency, is providing propulsion and life support flawlessly. The crew is conducting a series of navigation tests and communication checkouts as they prepare for the lunar flyby maneuver.

Looking Forward

The crew is expected to reach their closest approach to the Moon within the next 24-48 hours, passing over the far side before beginning their return journey to Earth. Splashdown remains on track for April 10 in the Pacific Ocean.