NASA has released the first images from its Artemis II mission, showing never-before-seen views of the Moon during a recent crewed flyby.
The photos were taken on April 6 as astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen passed over the lunar far side during a seven-hour journey.
Among the highlights are detailed images of craters, ancient lava flows and fractures on the Moon’s surface, as well as a rare solar eclipse seen from space and views of Earth rising and setting beyond the lunar horizon.
Scientists say the data will help improve understanding of the Moon’s geology and support future missions, including long-term plans for human exploration and eventual journeys to Mars.
The crew captured thousands of images, with more expected to be released in the coming days as the spacecraft heads back to Earth.
NASA says the mission marks a major step in returning humans to the Moon for the first time in decades.
More photos HERE
