NASA reveals first Earth images from Artemis II lunar mission

NASA has released the first images of Earth captured from inside the Orion spacecraft during the historic Artemis II mission, offering a breathtaking glimpse of the planet from deep space.

The photographs, taken by mission commander Reid Wiseman, show Earth framed through Orion’s window, wrapped in sweeping cloud formations as it appears to rise beyond the spacecraft. 

Another striking image captures the full globe, with oceans clearly visible and a faint green aurora glowing across part of the planet.

As of Friday morning, the four-member crew—including Christina Koch and Victor Glover—were about 100,000 miles (160,000 km) from Earth and steadily approaching the moon, with arrival expected Monday. 

The astronauts will fly around the moon without landing, marking humanity’s return to deep space exploration more than 50 years after Apollo program.

Koch, who will become the first woman to travel around the moon, described the view as “breathtaking,” noting the contrast of Earth illuminated by sunlight and shadowed by night. 

The mission will take the crew as close as 4,000 to 6,000 miles above the lunar surface, including a journey around the moon’s far side.

Following the flyby, Orion will use the moon’s gravity to slingshot back toward Earth, with splashdown planned in the Pacific Ocean off San Diego on April 11.

Beyond its technical goals, the mission highlights a shared human perspective, with Glover emphasising the profound experience of seeing Earth from afar.