Artemis II Astronauts Describe Their Lunar Voyage as Surreal and Profound Ahead of Return
The Artemis II astronauts are tidying up their lunar cruiser for Friday's 'fireball' return to Earth. They're also reflecting on their historic journey around the moon,
HOUSTON, April 9, 2026 (AP) — Drawing ever closer to Earth, the Artemis II astronauts tidied up their lunar cruiser for the upcoming “fireball” return and reflected on their historic journey around the moon, describing it as surreal and profound.
As the next-to-last day of their flight dawned Thursday, humanity's first lunar explorers in more than half a century were less than 150,000 miles (240,000 kilometers) from home with the odometer clicking down.
“We have to get back. There’s so much data that you’ve seen already, but all the good stuff is coming back with us. There are so many more pictures, so many more stories," said pilot Victor Glover, adding that "riding a fireball through the atmosphere is profound as well.”
