WELCOME HOME TO EARTH

In a moment that will be remembered for generations, the crew of Artemis II has safely returned to Earth after completing humanity’s first crewed journey around the Moon in over 50 years.

Astronauts Christina Koch, Jeremy Hansen, Reid Wiseman, and Victor Glover were seen seated together shortly after extraction, marking the successful end of a historic lunar flyby mission on April 11, 2026 (Philippine time).

The mission, led by NASA in partnership with the Canadian Space Agency, signals a bold new chapter in space exploration. Artemis II did not land on the Moon—but its significance is immense. It proved that humans can once again travel safely beyond Earth’s orbit, orbit the Moon, and return home—paving the way for future lunar landings.

During their journey, the crew witnessed breathtaking views of the Moon’s rugged surface and the vast darkness of deep space—images that have already inspired millions around the world. More importantly, the mission tested critical systems that will be used in upcoming missions, including the highly anticipated Artemis III, which aims to land humans on the lunar surface once again.

For many, this moment echoes the triumph of the Apollo 8 mission, when humans first orbited the Moon. But Artemis II goes further—representing a more diverse and global crew, and a renewed commitment to explore not just the Moon, but eventually Mars.

As the astronauts return safely to Earth, they carry with them not just scientific data—but the hopes of a new generation. The journey back to the Moon has officially begun—and this time, humanity is here to stay.