Artemis II Archives - TPR: The Public's Radio

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WATCH LIVE: Artemis II astronauts have splashed down on Earth

by Amina Khan April 10, 2026April 10, 2026

The four astronauts aboard NASA’s Artemis II mission are about to plunge through the atmosphere toward Earth, after a successful visit to the moon.

From left: Arsenio Hall, Stephen Colbert, Zendaya.

NPR

This week’s quiz reveals a dramatic twist! OR DOES IT?

by Holly J. Morris April 10, 2026April 10, 2026

If you keep up with secret identities, you’ll get at least one question right this week!

An astronaut's face is seen in silhouette, looking at Earth through Orion's main cabin windows, as the crew travels towards the moon.

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Artemis II astronauts are set to return to Earth today. Here’s what to expect

by Brendan Byrne April 10, 2026April 10, 2026

After swooping around the moon, viewing an eclipse, breaking an Apollo distance record and testing out a space toilet, NASA’s Artemis II mission is about to return to Earth. Here’s what the astronauts must face to make it safely home.

Tatum O'Neal and Ryan O'Neal on the 1973 poster for Paper Moon.

NPR

The most memorable moon movies aren’t even about space

by Bob Mondello April 9, 2026April 9, 2026

While marveling at Artemis II’s mission, NPR’s film critic went down a rabbit hole about moon-themed movies. Most have nothing to do with space.

The Artemis II crew — Christina Koch (left), Jeremy Hansen, Victor Glover and Reid Wiseman — have to share tight quarters aboard the Orion spacecraft on their way home. But even with limited space, they can still get a solid workout in — thanks to a very special piece of equipment.

NPR

Artemis II astronauts have fitness lessons for everyone

by Katia Riddle April 9, 2026April 9, 2026

The Artemis II astronauts don’t have a lot of space to exercise. That’s why they’ve got the flywheel — a small device that can be used for strength and cardio workouts.

In this handout image provided by NASA, a view of the moon taken by an Artemis II crewmember through the window of the Orion spacecraft on Friday, the third day of the mission.

NPR

What can Artemis II astronauts see that satellites haven’t captured?

by Ava Berger April 6, 2026April 6, 2026

The astronauts on Artemis II will observe parts of the moon rarely seen by human eyes. A NASA planetary scientist said it will offer a vital perspective for lunar research.

A view of Earth taken by NASA astronaut and Artemis II commander Reid Wiseman from the Orion spacecraft's window after completing the translunar injection burn on April 2, 2026.

NPR

NASA’s Artemis II crew are quite the photographers. See what they’ve snapped so far

by Ayana Archie April 3, 2026April 3, 2026

Many of the photos that have come out of the moon mission so far were taken by crew members. NASA says the crew is getting guidance from scientists on what to capture when they get closer to the moon.

A view of Earth from NASA's Orion spacecraft during the Artemis II test flight on Thursday.

NPR

NASA’s Artemis II has left Earth’s orbit, and 4 astronauts now head to the moon

by Nell Greenfieldboyce April 3, 2026April 3, 2026

With the last major firing of its engine, the Artemis II spacecraft is now on a path that will take it around the moon and back.

The Artemis II crew — which includes NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman (left), Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen — is on their way to the moon. Here's what to expect over their roughly 10-day mission.

NPR

In a thunderous launch, Artemis II astronauts leave Earth. Here’s what’s next

by Brendan Byrne April 2, 2026April 2, 2026

NASA’s Artemis II crew has successfully launched on a mission that will take it around the moon and back to Earth. Here’s what to expect over their roughly 10-day journey.

The US Navy's USS Cincinnati littoral combat ship (LCS) arrives for a port call at the Ream Naval base, located in Cambodia's southern coast in Preah Sihanouk province, on Jan. 24, 2026. Several vessels of the same class have been equipped for mine-clearing operations.

NPR

Is the U.S. Navy ready to clear sea mines in the Persian Gulf?

by Scott Neuman April 1, 2026April 1, 2026

Despite the danger of sea mines, experts say that mine clearing has received minimal attention and funding from the U.S. Navy — and it’s often overshadowed by more high-profile weapons systems.