Artemis II launched successfully, carrying 4 astronauts to the Moon. This mission marks the first time humans have left Earth's orbit since the Apollo era ended in 1972.

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The Artemis II lunar flyby is officially confirmed for early tomorrow morning, 7 April 2026. NASA has partnered with multiple platforms to ensure global access to this historic event:

● Live Coverage: High-definition streams will be available on NASA's YouTube channel and, for the first time, via Netflix.

● The Flyby: The Orion capsule will reach its closest point to the lunar surface before swinging around to the lunar far side, providing real-time views of terrain rarely seen by human eyes.

● Timeframe: The "Outbound Powered Flyby" burn is expected to occur in the early hours (GMT/MYT), setting the crew on a free-return trajectory back to Earth.

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The crew includes Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen. They represent the first woman, person of colour, and Canadian to ever fly to the Moon.

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Artemis II is not just a test flight; it is a record-breaking journey that pushes the boundaries of human deep-space exploration:

● Distance Record: Orion is designed to travel approximately 10,300 km beyond the far side of the Moon. This surpasses the record for the farthest distance from Earth reached by a crewed spacecraft, previously held by Apollo 13.

● Trajectory: The mission utilises a hybrid free-return trajectory. After the initial Earth orbits to test life support, the Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (ICPS) performed a "trans-lunar injection" burn to send the crew toward the Moon.

● Speed: Upon re-entry later this month, Orion will hit Earth’s atmosphere at approximately 40,000 km/h (Mach 32), testing the advanced heat shield at temperatures reaching 2,760°C.

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Orion’s interior features advanced hardware alongside radiation-cleared consumer tech like the iPhone 17 Pro Max. While not used for navigation, these devices allow astronauts to capture ultra-HD internal photography and personal documentation. Cinematic footage is being captured via Nikon D5 cameras and GoPros for transmission back to Earth through the Deep Space Network.

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The Artemis II crew is navigating daily life within a cabin roughly the size of two minivans. Their journey includes a mix of modern amenities and unique space-age challenges:

● Space Menu: The astronauts' provisions include 58 tortillas, 43 cups of coffee, and five types of hot sauce to add flavour to their meals.

● The "Space Plumber": For the first time on a deep-space mission, the crew has a dedicated toilet, though it required an early repair by Mission Specialist Christina Koch, who jokingly dubbed herself the "space plumber".

● Living and Sleeping: The four crew members share a single "hygiene bay" for privacy and sleep suspended in bags tethered to the walls, with some choosing to sleep "heads down" like bats.

● Digital Hub: The crew manages their historic flight using advanced glass cockpits featuring over 100 digital screens and controls.

● Exercise and Health: To combat muscle and bone loss in microgravity, each astronaut follows a mandatory 30-minute daily exercise routine using a suitcase-sized "flywheel" device.

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Goonhilly Earth Station in Cornwall, UK, is providing critical communication support. Its deep space antennas are tracking Orion as it moves towards the lunar surface.

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A young space enthusiast's emotional reaction to the launch has gone viral online. The toddler's wide-eyed wonder captured the hearts of millions across social media.

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Thousands of Malaysians sent their names to be digitally stored on a flash drive inside the Orion capsule. They received digital boarding passes to commemorate their symbolic journey.

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1. Why is Artemis II considered a big milestone?

It is the first crewed mission of the Artemis programme. It tests the Orion spacecraft life support systems required for future permanent lunar bases.

2. Why couldn't they bring iPhones to space before?

Previous models lacked radiation hardening and battery stability. NASA approved the iPhone 17 Pro after rigorous testing for electromagnetic interference.

3. Is there a Malaysian representative on the mission?

No Malaysian astronaut is on board, but thousands of Malaysians sent their names to be digitally stored on a flash drive orbiting the Moon.

4. What does it take to be part of the Artemis II crew?

Candidates must be NASA or CSA astronauts with extensive test pilot or scientific research experience and undergo years of mission-specific training.

5. How long does it take for Artemis II to reach the Moon?

The journey takes approximately 4 days to reach the lunar vicinity, followed by a lunar flyby and several more days for the return trip to Earth.

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