Artemis mission nears historic Moon flyby, first since 1972

The Artemis mission Moon flyby is approaching a defining moment as NASA astronauts prepare to complete the first human lunar flyby since 1972, marking a major step in the agency’s long-term space exploration programme.

The crew, consisting of Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen, is nearing a critical point in the mission where the Moon’s gravity will take control of the Orion spacecraft, guiding it around the lunar surface in a manoeuvre not performed by humans for more than five decades.

This mission carries several historic milestones. Victor Glover is set to become the first person of colour to travel around the Moon, while Christina Koch will be the first woman to do so. Jeremy Hansen will also become the first non-American astronaut to complete a lunar flyby, reflecting growing international participation in deep space missions.

As part of the flyby, the astronauts are expected to travel farther from Earth than any previous human mission. During this phase, the crew will document and analyse the Moon’s surface, including geological features that have never been directly observed by human eyes. NASA confirmed that the team has already viewed the Orientale basin, a large crater formation previously only captured by robotic missions.

Christina Koch described the observation as a rare moment, noting that the basin, often referred to as the Moon’s “Grand Canyon”, had never been seen firsthand by astronauts until now. The crew is also expected to witness a solar eclipse during the flyby, when the Moon blocks direct sunlight, allowing observation of the Sun’s outer atmosphere.

The mission is also focused on testing key technologies for future lunar landings. Astronauts are evaluating the Orion Crew Survival System suits, which are designed to provide protection during launch, re-entry and emergency scenarios, including supplying breathable air for extended periods if required.

NASA officials said the crew has already completed a manual piloting demonstration and is closely monitoring the spacecraft’s life support systems and overall performance. The data collected during this mission will play a critical role in preparing for upcoming missions, including Artemis 3 in 2027 and Artemis 4 in 2028, which aim to support a return to the lunar surface.

The Artemis programme represents a broader strategic effort to re-establish human presence on the Moon while advancing technologies needed for future missions to Mars. The current mission is seen as a key step in validating spacecraft systems and operational readiness in deep space conditions.