'Glued To Windows': How Artemis II Crew Spent Initial Hours After Lift Off On Historic Lunar Mission

Last Updated:April 03, 2026, 13:21 IST

Artemis II crew in Orion capture Earth photos as NASA reports a :flawless" burn sending the first crewed lunar mission in 50 years toward the Moon

Astronauts aboard Artemis II spent their initial hours in orbit captivated by views of Earth, pausing routine tasks to capture photographs as the mission advanced toward the Moon. Travelling in the Orion spacecraft, the crew documented striking visuals of the planet shortly after launch. The Artemis II marks humanity’s first crewed journey to the Moon in five decades.

Mission specialist Jeremy Hansen described the scene, saying, “We are getting a beautiful view of the dark side of the Earth, lit by the Moon," as reported by the BBC.

Artemis II Crew Skips Routine Tasks For Photos

The crew remained focused on the views, with Hansen adding, “None of us can get to lunch because we’re glued to the window. We’re taking pictures," calling the sight “phenomenal," according to ABC News.

Commander Reid Wiseman later reached out to ground control for advice on cleaning the spacecraft windows after extended photography sessions left them dirty. Teams on Earth suggested using water and a dry wipe to clean the windows. Meanwhile, NASA has said that images from the mission will be released once transmitted.

Orion Executes ‘Flawless’ Burn, Sets Course For Historic Lunar Journey

A key milestone was achieved when Orion completed its translunar injection burn, a manoeuvre that set the spacecraft on course for the Moon. Lasting just under six minutes, the operation was described by NASA as “flawless," with all systems performing as expected. Reflecting on the moment, Hansen said, “Humanity has once again shown what we are capable of, and it’s your hopes for the future that carry us now on this journey around the moon."

Officials confirmed that the mission is progressing smoothly, with flight data indicating successful performance across systems, including life-support and manual controls. As a test flight, Artemis II will orbit the Moon and return without landing, providing crucial data for future crewed lunar missions.

News world 'Glued To Windows': How Artemis II Crew Spent Initial Hours After Lift Off On Historic Lunar Mission

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