NASA has released the first stunning images of Earth taken by the Artemis II crew providing a breathtaking view of our home planet from deep space.
Captured by mission commander Reid Wiseman through the Orion spacecraft’s window, the photos show Earth glowing in vivid blues and browns with swirling white clouds and even green auroras visible in the atmosphere.
These historic images were shared after the crew successfully completed their “translunar injection” burn, setting them on their path toward the Moon.
Reflecting on the view, Commander Wiseman described the experience by saying, “It was the most spectacular moment and it paused all four of us in our tracks.”
Mission specialist Christina Koch added that, while they knew what to expect, “There’s nothing that prepares you for the breathtaking aspect of seeing your home planet both lit up bright as day and also the moon glow on it at night.”
As the crew continues their journey, pilot Victor Glover emphasised the unity the images represent, noting, “From up here, you look like one thing. Homo sapiens is all of us, no matter where you’re from or what you look like. We’re all one people.”
The mission remains on track for its lunar flyby.
