Voyager 1 has only about one year of life left, as its mission is threatened by a drop in power. NASA has shut down another instrument on the spacecraft to prolong its life. But it is the Big Bang that is expected to give it a major push. Details here.

Voyager 1 has only about one year of life left, as its mission is threatened by a drop in power. NASA has shut down another instrument on the spacecraft to prolong its life. But it is the Big Bang that is expected to give it a major push. Details here.

NASA to create its own Big Bang for Voyager 1 as another instrument is shut down

NASA moved the core stage, or the largest section, of the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket that will launch the crewed Artemis III mission in 2027 from the agency's Michoud Assembly Facility to the agency's Pegasus barge in New Orleans on April 20.


NASA Prepares Artemis 3 Launch

Donald Trump has claimed credit for the Artemis mission, which saw four astronauts fly to the Moon and back in over 50 years. He also said in an interview that NASA was closed in 2017. He has once again lied through his teeth.

Donald Trump has claimed credit for the Artemis mission, which saw four astronauts fly to the Moon and back in over 50 years. He also said in an interview that NASA was closed in 2017. He has once again lied through his teeth.

Trump claims credit for Artemis program, says NASA was closed in 2017 - They are blatant lies

The Government-run Indian space agency ISRO has a total of 53 operational satellites circling the Earth. This includes 22 satellites in Low Earth Orbit (about 500-1000kms above the earth) and 31 satellites in Geosynchronous Earth Orbit(about 36,000kms above the Earth, ISRO has revealed. Typically, the satellites placed in Low Earth orbit are meant for Earth-imaging or experiments, while the satellites placed in Geosynchronous orbit are meant for weather observation, communication, navigation.&nbsp;&nbsp;ISRO's&nbsp;Indian Space Situational Awareness Report (ISSAR) for 2025 mentions that there is a growing congestion in Low Earth Orbit, owing to the exponential growth in the number of satellites being placed there and the mounting threat of space debris. The report mentions that the Combined Space Operations Center (CSpOC) of America's USSPACECOM had issued 1,50,000 close approach alerts, which warn operators when satellites and debris pass within a dangerously close distance. Such constant monitoring of space objects is vital for avoiding collisions that could create more debris, which could heighten the risk for safe operations in space. Space debris and satellites in Low earth orbit travel at speeds of 28,000kmph, which means even the smallest pieces of debris colliding with a large object can generate more debris.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/isro-averts-multiple-collision-threats-nisar-chandrayaan-2-face-close-orbital-encounters-amid-rising-space-debris-1776329366956">ISRO averts multiple collision threats: NISAR, Chandrayaan-2 face close orbital encounters amid rising space debris</a>&nbsp;Based on these alerts, ISRO performed a total of 18 collision avoidance manoeuvres: 4 for satellites placed in Geosynchronous Earth Orbit, while 14 collision avoidance manoeuvres were performed for satellites in Low Earth orbit. The $1.2bn NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar(NISAR) satellite was also among those that had to perform a collission avoidance manoeuvre, ISRO said.&nbsp;As the name suggests, a collision avoidance manoeuvre is a planned trajectory adjustment, where the satellite fires its thrusters to adjust its orbit. Such manoeuvres are done when the probability of collision with debris or another satellite exceeds a safe threshold.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/isro-technology-being-sold-cheaply-to-private-firms-parliamentary-panel-finds-1774613564517">ISRO technology being sold cheaply to private firms, Parliamentary panel finds</a>&nbsp;Satellite operators also routinely perform orbit maintenance manoeuvres to counter the minor changes in a satellite's orbital path caused by natural factors such as atmospheric drag, gravity, among others. Wherever feasible, collision avoidance requirements were met by adjusting orbit maintenance manoeuvres to avoid exclusive collision avoidance manoeuvres, ISRO said. Manoeuvring satellites in space is a task that consumes the onboard fuel of the satellite. Given that satellites depend on the limited quantity of fuel in their onboard tanks, every manoeuvre proves costly and reduces the life of the satellite. This is because, satellites go defunct when they deplete their onboard fuel and lose manoeuvrability.&nbsp;&nbsp;ISRO's report noted that the projected deployment of multiple large constellations indicates a scenario where active satellites may outnumber space debris within the current decade, and a consequent increase in the burden of space traffic coordination.&nbsp;"Out of the 10,749 Starlink satellites(belonging to Elon Musk's firm), 9396 satellites were still in orbit and 1,353 satellites re-entered the Earth’s atmosphere by the end of 2025. In addition, constellations like HulianwangDigui, Kuiper, USA-NRO (National Reconnaissance Office) launched 136, 180, and 99 satellites in 2025, respectively," it was added.&nbsp; &nbsp;

As the name suggests, a collision avoidance manoeuvre is a planned trajectory adjustment, where the satellite fires its thrusters to adjust its orbit. Such manoeuvres are done when the probability of collision with debris or another satellite exceeds a safe threshold. 



The Government-run Indian space agency ISRO has a total of 53 operational satellites circling the Earth. This includes 22 satellites in Low Earth Orbit (about 500-1000kms above the earth) and 31 satellites in Geosynchronous Earth Orbit(about 36,000kms above the Earth, ISRO has revealed. Typically, the satellites placed in Low Earth orbit are meant for Earth-imaging or experiments, while the satellites placed in Geosynchronous orbit are meant for weather observation, communication, navigation. ISRO's Indian Space Situational Awareness Report (ISSAR) for 2025 mentions that there is a growing congestion in Low Earth Orbit, owing to the exponential growth in the number of satellites being placed there and the mounting threat of space debris. The report mentions that the Combined Space Operations Center (CSpOC) of America's USSPACECOM had issued 1,50,000 close approach alerts, which warn operators when satellites and debris pass within a dangerously close distance. Such constant monitoring of space objects is vital for avoiding collisions that could create more debris, which could heighten the risk for safe operations in space. Space debris and satellites in Low earth orbit travel at speeds of 28,000kmph, which means even the smallest pieces of debris colliding with a large object can generate more debris. Also Read: ISRO averts multiple collision threats: NISAR, Chandrayaan-2 face close orbital encounters amid rising space debris Based on these alerts, ISRO performed a total of 18 collision avoidance manoeuvres: 4 for satellites placed in Geosynchronous Earth Orbit, while 14 collision avoidance manoeuvres were performed for satellites in Low Earth orbit. The $1.2bn NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar(NISAR) satellite was also among those that had to perform a collission avoidance manoeuvre, ISRO said. As the name suggests, a collision avoidance manoeuvre is a planned trajectory adjustment, where the satellite fires its thrusters to adjust its orbit. Such manoeuvres are done when the probability of collision with debris or another satellite exceeds a safe threshold. Also Read: ISRO technology being sold cheaply to private firms, Parliamentary panel finds Satellite operators also routinely perform orbit maintenance manoeuvres to counter the minor changes in a satellite's orbital path caused by natural factors such as atmospheric drag, gravity, among others. Wherever feasible, collision avoidance requirements were met by adjusting orbit maintenance manoeuvres to avoid exclusive collision avoidance manoeuvres, ISRO said. Manoeuvring satellites in space is a task that consumes the onboard fuel of the satellite. Given that satellites depend on the limited quantity of fuel in their onboard tanks, every manoeuvre proves costly and reduces the life of the satellite. This is because, satellites go defunct when they deplete their onboard fuel and lose manoeuvrability. ISRO's report noted that the projected deployment of multiple large constellations indicates a scenario where active satellites may outnumber space debris within the current decade, and a consequent increase in the burden of space traffic coordination. "Out of the 10,749 Starlink satellites(belonging to Elon Musk's firm), 9396 satellites were still in orbit and 1,353 satellites re-entered the Earth’s atmosphere by the end of 2025. In addition, constellations like HulianwangDigui, Kuiper, USA-NRO (National Reconnaissance Office) launched 136, 180, and 99 satellites in 2025, respectively," it was added.

As the name suggests, a collision avoidance manoeuvre is a planned trajectory adjustment, where the satellite fires its thrusters to adjust its orbit. Such manoeuvres are done when the probability of collision with debris or another satellite exceeds a safe threshold.&nbsp;

ISRO performed 18 manoeuvres to avert collisions of its 53 satellites

NASA’s Orion spacecraft has successfully completed its mission as it splashed down in the Pacific Ocean, marking a safe return for the crew after the Artemis II flight. The landing signals a major milestone in deep-space exploration efforts led by NASA. Recovery teams quickly moved in to retrieve the capsule as the mission paves the way for future lunar and Mars exploration programs.


Artemis II Splashdown: NASA's Moon Mission Carrying Four Astronauts Return Home

Artemis II Splashdown: US President Trump Lauds Artemis II Crew, 'Could Not Be More Proud'

BREAKING: Artemis II Orion Capsule Splashes Down Safely In Pacific Ocean

The Artemis II astronauts conducted a historic lunar flyby, gathered invaluable data and took in unprecedented Moon views, but one of the most crucial moments of their 10-day mission is still to come: Fiery splashdown. The stakes are particularly high given concerns that arose during Artemis I, a 2022 uncrewed test flight to the Moon and back that saw the Orion heat shield erode in unexpected ways.


Moon Mission | The Artemis II Fiery Return

The NASA Artemis II crew is entering the most critical phase of its mission as astronauts prepare for the final leg of their journey around the Moon and back to Earth. Mission controllers are closely monitoring spacecraft systems, trajectory adjustments, and life-support conditions as the spacecraft approaches re-entry operations.


NASA Moon Mission: Artemis II Crew Returns After 10 Days of Travel Into Deep Space

NASA: Artemis 2 Crew Faces Most Critical Phase of the Moon Mission

Artemis II made history when it took astronauts to the farthest point in space humans had ever travelled. There are several probes floating in space that are billions of kilometres from Earth. Which is the farthest man-made object in the universe?

Artemis II made history when it took astronauts to the farthest point in space humans had ever travelled. There are several probes floating in space that are billions of kilometres from Earth. Which is the farthest man-made object in the universe?

Artemis II is the farthest manned mission. Which is the most distant uncrewed mission in space right now?

Artemis II astronaut Reid Wiseman was already working with NASA when he received a fortune cookie in 2017 that talked about visiting a strange place that would offer a new perspective. AS he flew to the Moon, this fortune has come true for him.

Artemis II astronaut Reid Wiseman was already working with NASA when he received a fortune cookie in 2017 that talked about visiting a strange place that would offer a new perspective. AS he flew to the Moon, this fortune has come true for him.

For one Artemis II astronaut, a nine-year-old prophecy has come true

Return of Artemis II on April 10 will be a risky affair because of the heating issues with the spacecraft. It will tumble down at enormous speeds, causing temperatures outside the capsule to rise. Here is how the Orion re-entry will go down.

Return of Artemis II on April 10 will be a risky affair because of the heating issues with the spacecraft. It will tumble down at enormous speeds, causing temperatures outside the capsule to rise. Here is how the Orion re-entry will go down.

At 40,000kmh and 2,700 degrees Celsius, Artemis II re-entry will be the scariest phase of the mission yet

Another scientist linked to America's space program and NASA died in 2023, adding to a long list of those missing or dead. Michael David Hicks, a research scientist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), passed away three years ago. The police found no signs of foul play, yet the fact that he is one of many who are no longer around and linked to US space or nuclear programs adds to the mystery. Hicks worked at JPL from 1998 to 2022 and was particularly involved with understanding comets and asteroids. He was also involved with the DART project, under which NASA deflected an asteroid moonlet to prepare for a future mission. Among those who have gone missing or are dead are those who also worked at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory or were involved with the same NASA missions that Hicks also worked on. Monica Reza became JPL's new Director of the Materials Processing Group and soon after vanished in June 2025. Frank Maiwald, a co-worker of Hicks and with ties to JPL, died in July 2024 at the age of 61. Recently, astrophysicist Carl Grillmair, 67, was murdered outside his home on February 16, 2026. He had worked on space telescope missions led by NASA.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/the-mondaloy-mystery-two-aerospace-experts-with-ties-to-special-projects-go-missing-triggering-security-concerns-1774248547608">Two aerospace experts with ties to 'special projects' go missing, triggering security concerns</a>&nbsp;Maiwald died in Los Angeles under unknown circumstances. He held a prominent position at JPL and was awarded the JPL Principal, yet the authorities did not publicly talk about his death, and only one obituary was posted online. Grillmair was involved with a work as part of which water was discovered on a distant planet, and signs of life could be found less than 160 light-years from Earth. Then there is Retired General William Neil McCasland, 68, who left his home in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on February 27 without his home and was only seen once. He reportedly knew about America's nuclear secrets and also worked with recovered UFO technology, and on classified space weapons programs at the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. He also shared ties with Reza and Grillmair as they all worked on advanced missile or rocket science.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/who-is-nuno-fg-loureiro-mit-nuclear-science-professor-killed-two-days-after-brown-university-shooting-1766030650276">Who is Nuno Loureiro, the MIT professor who was killed at his home, as Israel alleges Iran links?</a><h2>Boston physicist Nuno Loureiro murdered at his home</h2>Physicist Nuno Loureiro, who was close to revolutionising the energy sector with a clean power source, was murdered at his home on December 15, 2025. His work was centred on plasma physics, and he had taken great strides in his field of work. Assistant director of chemical biology at Novartis, Jason Thomas, was found on March 17 at Lake Quannapowitt in Wakefield, Massachusetts. He worked to discover and create new medicines for Novartis and had worked with the Department of Health and Human Services in the past. Former FBI Assistant Director Chris Swecker recently told the Daily Mail that for decades, Americans who have been privy to the country's technology secrets have been targeted by both allies and enemies.&nbsp;

Several American scientists privy to the country's nuclear, space and aerospace secrets have either died or gone missing in recent years. Experts think they could have been targeted by either enemies or allies because they possessed valuable knowledge of national interest.    

Another scientist linked to America's space program and NASA died in 2023, adding to a long list of those missing or dead. Michael David Hicks, a research scientist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), passed away three years ago. The police found no signs of foul play, yet the fact that he is one of many who are no longer around and linked to US space or nuclear programs adds to the mystery. Hicks worked at JPL from 1998 to 2022 and was particularly involved with understanding comets and asteroids. He was also involved with the DART project, under which NASA deflected an asteroid moonlet to prepare for a future mission. Among those who have gone missing or are dead are those who also worked at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory or were involved with the same NASA missions that Hicks also worked on. Monica Reza became JPL's new Director of the Materials Processing Group and soon after vanished in June 2025. Frank Maiwald, a co-worker of Hicks and with ties to JPL, died in July 2024 at the age of 61. Recently, astrophysicist Carl Grillmair, 67, was murdered outside his home on February 16, 2026. He had worked on space telescope missions led by NASA. Also Read: Two aerospace experts with ties to 'special projects' go missing, triggering security concerns Maiwald died in Los Angeles under unknown circumstances. He held a prominent position at JPL and was awarded the JPL Principal, yet the authorities did not publicly talk about his death, and only one obituary was posted online. Grillmair was involved with a work as part of which water was discovered on a distant planet, and signs of life could be found less than 160 light-years from Earth. Then there is Retired General William Neil McCasland, 68, who left his home in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on February 27 without his home and was only seen once. He reportedly knew about America's nuclear secrets and also worked with recovered UFO technology, and on classified space weapons programs at the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. He also shared ties with Reza and Grillmair as they all worked on advanced missile or rocket science. Also Read: Who is Nuno Loureiro, the MIT professor who was killed at his home, as Israel alleges Iran links? Boston physicist Nuno Loureiro murdered at his home Physicist Nuno Loureiro, who was close to revolutionising the energy sector with a clean power source, was murdered at his home on December 15, 2025. His work was centred on plasma physics, and he had taken great strides in his field of work. Assistant director of chemical biology at Novartis, Jason Thomas, was found on March 17 at Lake Quannapowitt in Wakefield, Massachusetts. He worked to discover and create new medicines for Novartis and had worked with the Department of Health and Human Services in the past. Former FBI Assistant Director Chris Swecker recently told the Daily Mail that for decades, Americans who have been privy to the country's technology secrets have been targeted by both allies and enemies.

Several American scientists privy to the country's nuclear, space and aerospace secrets have either died or gone missing in recent years. Experts think they could have been targeted by either enemies or allies because they possessed valuable knowledge of national interest. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Mystery around dead or missing scientists privy to space and nuclear secrets grows

Artemis II has begun its return journey to Earth after completing a historic flyby of the Moon, marking a major milestone in NASA’s effort to send astronauts back to deep space for the first time in decades. The crewed mission tested critical systems needed for future lunar landings under the Artemis program, paving the way for upcoming missions that aim to return humans to the lunar surface and eventually support future journeys to Mars. 


Artemis II Begins Return Trip to Earth After Historic Moon Flyby

NASA has shared a video of the far side of the Moon captured by Artemis II astronauts when they swung around it on day 6 of the mission. The stunning visuals show a never-before-seen side of the Moon that looks entirely different from what humans are used to seeing from Earth. The video shared on April 8 starts with the eclipse they saw after emerging from behind it. NASA captioned it, "It's not just a phase. Artemis II astronauts captured these views of the Moon as the Orion spacecraft flew around the far side of the Moon on April 6, 2026." The lunar surface is riddled with pockmarks and a few bright spots that can be seen in the video. It is much paler than the near side of the Moon. It shows thousands of craters, revealing the shots it has endured from cosmic rocks over billions of years. One particular visual shows the edge of our lunar satellite with a crescent blue Earth right behind it. Another photo for the ages is of Earth setting behind the Moon. It is a nod to the Apollo photo showing Earth rising.<h2>What astronauts saw on the Moon - Eclipse, Orientale and train of planets</h2>The visuals captured by Orion and the astronauts have captivated the world. Reacting to the visuals, netizens are expressing admiration for a world they see every day, yet remains a mystery. A user commented, "Far side of the Moon with no Earth glow in the frame. That's the view that makes every launch feel worth it—pure, unfiltered space staring back." The far side has always been assumed to be the dark side because it isn't illuminated by the Sun. But the photos show that it is anything but dark. Talking about the bright far side of the Moon, a user wrote, "Funny how we called it the 'dark side' all these years, turns out it was just out of sight, not out of light."Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/-love-you-to-the-moon-and-back-artemis-ii-crew-name-moon-crater-after-astronaut-s-wife-who-died-of-cancer-1775561481843">'Love you to the moon': Emotions run high as Artemis II crew name Moon crater after astronaut's wife who died of cancer</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">It&#39;s not just a phase 🌕 Artemis II astronauts captured these views of the Moon as the Orion spacecraft flew around the far side of the Moon on April 6, 2026. <a href="https://t.co/lT7245Gp28">pic.twitter.com/lT7245Gp28</a>&mdash; NASA (@NASA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA/status/2041690396586090592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>NASA shared eclipse and Earthset photos from Artemis II</h2>NASA also shared a photo of the eclipse that the astronauts saw after coming out from behind the Moon. The Moon can be seen fully dark as it covers the Sun entirely, with the corona visible. Mission commander Reid Wiseman talked about it in a livestream from Orion. He said, "We saw sights, Orientale (basin), all this that not even Apollo saw. The best part was that we just came out of the eclipse and saw an entire dark moon right out the window." He added, "We could see the planet train line up and all of us commented how excited we are to watch this planet become a two planet species." &nbsp;

Artemis II photos and videos: NASA shared a 1-minute 40-second video of the views of the Moon captured by astronauts on Orion. The video compiles stunning shots of the far side of the Moon, an eclipse and an Earthset. 

NASA has shared a video of the far side of the Moon captured by Artemis II astronauts when they swung around it on day 6 of the mission. The stunning visuals show a never-before-seen side of the Moon that looks entirely different from what humans are used to seeing from Earth. The video shared on April 8 starts with the eclipse they saw after emerging from behind it. NASA captioned it, "It's not just a phase. Artemis II astronauts captured these views of the Moon as the Orion spacecraft flew around the far side of the Moon on April 6, 2026." The lunar surface is riddled with pockmarks and a few bright spots that can be seen in the video. It is much paler than the near side of the Moon. It shows thousands of craters, revealing the shots it has endured from cosmic rocks over billions of years. One particular visual shows the edge of our lunar satellite with a crescent blue Earth right behind it. Another photo for the ages is of Earth setting behind the Moon. It is a nod to the Apollo photo showing Earth rising. What astronauts saw on the Moon - Eclipse, Orientale and train of planets The visuals captured by Orion and the astronauts have captivated the world. Reacting to the visuals, netizens are expressing admiration for a world they see every day, yet remains a mystery. A user commented, "Far side of the Moon with no Earth glow in the frame. That's the view that makes every launch feel worth it—pure, unfiltered space staring back." The far side has always been assumed to be the dark side because it isn't illuminated by the Sun. But the photos show that it is anything but dark. Talking about the bright far side of the Moon, a user wrote, "Funny how we called it the 'dark side' all these years, turns out it was just out of sight, not out of light." Also Read: 'Love you to the moon': Emotions run high as Artemis II crew name Moon crater after astronaut's wife who died of cancer

Artemis II photos and videos: NASA shared a 1-minute 40-second video of the views of the Moon captured by astronauts on Orion. The video compiles beautiful shots of the far side of the Moon, an eclipse and an Earthset.&nbsp;

'Not out of light...': NASA shares video compilation of far side of the Moon, riddled with pockmarks

NASA’s Artemis II is set for a dramatic moment as the Orion spacecraft reaches the far side of the Moon. During this phase, astronauts aboard Orion spacecraft will temporarily lose all communication with Earth for about 40–41 minutes. This planned blackout is a critical part of the mission, testing deep-space navigation and autonomy.

Artemis II Mission: Trump Speaks To Artemis II Crew After Historic Moon Flyby 

Artemis II Mission: Trump Talks To Artemis II Crew After Historic Moon Flyby

NASA’s Artemis II is set for a dramatic moment as the Orion spacecraft reaches the far side of the Moon. During this phase, astronauts aboard Orion spacecraft will temporarily lose all communication with Earth for about 40–41 minutes. This planned blackout is a critical part of the mission, testing deep-space navigation and autonomy.


Artemis II Mission: Astronauts Set New Distance Record During Historic Lunar Flyby 

The spacecraft had been sending back “ghostly” and garbled signals due to a malfunction in its Flight Data Subsystem (FDS), raising concerns about its future. Despite the enormous distance—which causes a one-day delay in communication—engineers managed to diagnose and resolve the issue.


NASA Voyager 1: Voyager 1 Sends Mystery Signal From 26 Billion Kilometers Away 

NASA’s Artemis II is set for a dramatic moment as the Orion spacecraft reaches the far side of the Moon.

During this phase, astronauts aboard Orion spacecraft will temporarily lose all communication with Earth for about 40–41 minutes. This planned blackout is a critical part of the mission, testing deep-space navigation and autonomy.

The signal loss occurs as the spacecraft passes behind the Moon—an area where direct communication with Earth is not possible. While expected, it remains one of the most intense moments of the 10-day crewed lunar flyby
 

Artemis II Loses Signal: NASA Crew To Disappear Behind Moon For 40 Minutes

NASA's critical issue with Voyager 1, the farthest human-made object in space—now over 25 billion kilometers from Earth, has been fixed.

The spacecraft had been sending back “ghostly” and garbled signals due to a malfunction in its Flight Data Subsystem (FDS), raising concerns about its future. Despite the enormous distance—which causes a one-day delay in communication—engineers managed to diagnose and resolve the issue.

Launched in 1977, Voyager 1 continues its journey through interstellar space, sending back invaluable data decades after its mission began.


NASA'S Voyager 1: Mystery Signal From 26 Billion Kilometers Away 

The four astronauts of NASA's Artemis 2 mission just notched a major milestone: They're closer to the moon than they are to Earth. Jacki Mahaffey, a Capsule Communicator (CAPCOM) at Johnson Space Center in Houston, radioed the news to the quartet around midnight EDT (0400 GMT) on Saturday morning (April 4).


NASA: What Are Artemis II Astronauts Eating in Space 

The four astronauts of NASA's Artemis 2 mission just notched a major milestone: They're closer to the moon than they are to Earth. Jacki Mahaffey, a Capsule Communicator (CAPCOM) at Johnson Space Center in Houston, radioed the news to the quartet around midnight EDT (0400 GMT) on Saturday morning (April 4).

NASA: Artemis II Crew Now Closer to the Moon Than to Earth

NASA’s Artemis II mission is approaching the Moon, marking a historic step in humanity’s return to deep space exploration. While the crew continues to achieve key mission milestones aboard the Orion spacecraft, engineers are closely monitoring minor technical issues, including a reported toilet system glitch and communication checks from Mission Control.


Artemis II Nears Moon, Balances Milestones & Malfunctions, Toilet Glitch Reported 

NASA’s Artemis II mission continues its historic journey deeper into space as the Orion spacecraft edges closer to the Moon’s far side, marking a key milestone in humanity’s return to lunar exploration. In a parallel scientific effort, NASA has launched the Avatar Biology Test in deep space to study how living systems respond to long-duration spaceflight conditions. The findings are expected to support future crewed lunar missions and eventual human journeys to Mars.


Artemis II Edges Closer to Moon's Far Side | NASA Launches Avatar Biology Test in Deep Space 

NASA has successfully fired the main engine of the Artemis II Orion capsule, marking a critical milestone in the mission’s journey toward the Moon. The key engine burn helped place the spacecraft on a precise lunar trajectory, demonstrating the capsule’s propulsion performance and mission readiness.


US Space Agency Successfully Fires Artemis II Capsule Engine

NASA’s Orion spacecraft successfully completed a key separation milestone during the Artemis II mission sequence, marking another major step toward returning humans to the Moon. Artemis II is designed to test critical deep-space systems with astronauts onboard before future lunar landing missions under the Artemis program.


Artemis II Edges Closer To The Moon's Far Side

Artemis II Sets Stage for Future Moon Landing | NASA's Orion Spacecraft Separates Successfully 

A new chapter in space exploration is unfolding as NASA prepares for the next big leap with Artemis II. The Orion spacecraft has successfully separated and is now orbiting Earth with astronauts onboard, marking a crucial step toward future lunar landings. With just days to go, the mission is reigniting global excitement about humanity’s return to the Moon.


Artemis II Countdown Begins: NASA’s Orion Sets Stage For Historic Return To The Moon 

NASA live-streamed the Artemis II launch, a historic mission that is sending humans back to the Moon in 54 years. People flocked to the NASA platform to see the rocket take off with four astronauts on board. However, some people caught something bizarre happening live. A shot from the livestream showed scenes from inside the spacecraft, with astronauts strapped in and ready to go. This was around 20 minutes before the launch. Just then, Reid Wiseman, Artemis II commander, got on the capsule tablet and typed in the PIN as everyone online watched. You can make out the numbers pretty clearly, although we are not going to tell you what they could be. Netizens were shocked to see NASA make such an error in real-time, exposing the password to an Orion tablet to the world. Wiseman obviously did not know that he was being broadcast live at the time, and typed in the PIN, which we all saw.&nbsp;People flocked to social media to share NASA's woopsie moment. A user wrote, "My guy just typed his iPad PIN directly into a 4K overhead shot… unlocking it for the entire planet. Command module getting opensourced, but it's ok because it's for the 'gram'," a user wrote. Another wrote, "'Woopsie, when you enter your tablet PIN on the NASA stream," pointing to the error. Meanwhile, one user slyly revealed the PIN (and it could be either of the two). "Hey NASA, I appreciate you wanting to get people interested in rocket science, but maybe don't broadcast that the PIN to unlock the tablet on the rocket is either 9393 or 3939," they wrote. The user told NASA it should tell Wiseman to probably change it before returning.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/artemis-ii-timeline-when-will-orion-reach-moon-1775100037747">Artemis II timeline, from launch to return: When will Orion reach the Moon?</a><h2>Watch the viral moment from Artemis II launch</h2>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Woopsie, when you enter your tablet PIN on the NASA stream. <a href="https://t.co/tpbm3Gvw15">pic.twitter.com/tpbm3Gvw15</a>&mdash; Mark Maunder (@mmaunder) <a href="https://twitter.com/mmaunder/status/2039466429477700018?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 1, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>What are tablets used for in space?</h2>Tablets are used for a wide variety of things in space. From communications, to operations, and keeping a tab on the astronaut's health, the device can perform several functions. They can also be used for entertainment inside a capsule where there is not much else to do. So they can also use it to read books and listen to music. The Artemis II mission successfully launched from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 6:35 pm ET (4:05 am) on April 1.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/here-s-why-nasa-astronauts-are-carrying-iphones-to-the-moon-on-artemis-ii-1775097165496">Here's why NASA astronauts are carrying iPhones to the Moon on Artemis II</a><h2>Artemis II astronauts and the mission</h2>NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch, and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen are travelling to the farthest point in space any human has ever been to. The Orion will do a flyby of the Moon, going 7,500 kilometres beyond the lunar surface. It will then slingshot back towards Earth using the Moon's gravity. The Orion is scheduled to reach the Moon on April 6, giving astronauts about three hours to make observations before they return home.

Artemis II launch witnessed a weird moment when a secret password from aboard the Orion capsule was shared online for everyone to see. NASA broadcasters didn't know what was happening, but netizens noticed the moment which went viral.

NASA live-streamed the Artemis II launch, a historic mission that is sending humans back to the Moon in 54 years. People flocked to the NASA platform to see the rocket take off with four astronauts on board. However, some people caught something bizarre happening live. A shot from the livestream showed scenes from inside the spacecraft, with astronauts strapped in and ready to go. This was around 20 minutes before the launch. Just then, Reid Wiseman, Artemis II commander, got on the capsule tablet and typed in the PIN as everyone online watched. You can make out the numbers pretty clearly, although we are not going to tell you what they could be. Netizens were shocked to see NASA make such an error in real-time, exposing the password to an Orion tablet to the world. Wiseman obviously did not know that he was being broadcast live at the time, and typed in the PIN, which we all saw. People flocked to social media to share NASA's woopsie moment. A user wrote, "My guy just typed his iPad PIN directly into a 4K overhead shot… unlocking it for the entire planet. Command module getting opensourced, but it's ok because it's for the 'gram'," a user wrote. Another wrote, "'Woopsie, when you enter your tablet PIN on the NASA stream," pointing to the error. Meanwhile, one user slyly revealed the PIN (and it could be either of the two). "Hey NASA, I appreciate you wanting to get people interested in rocket science, but maybe don't broadcast that the PIN to unlock the tablet on the rocket is either 9393 or 3939," they wrote. The user told NASA it should tell Wiseman to probably change it before returning. Also Read: Artemis II timeline, from launch to return: When will Orion reach the Moon? Watch the viral moment from Artemis II launch