New views from lunar orbit
NASA's Artemis 2 crew has delivered some of the most detailed images ever taken of the moon's far side. Commander Reid Wiseman, an astrophotography enthusiast, worked with ground-based imaging experts to capture the photos during the spacecraft's orbit around the moon. The images show crater fields, ancient lava plains, and mountain ridges on the hemisphere that never faces Earth.
The far side of the moon has been photographed before, but never with this level of clarity from a crewed spacecraft. Scientists say the images will help identify potential landing sites for future missions and provide new data on the moon's geological history.
Artemis program adjusts timelines
In a related development, NASA confirmed changes to the Artemis mission sequence. Artemis III, originally planned as the first crewed lunar landing, will now conduct tests with one or both landers in Earth orbit. The first crewed landing on the lunar surface has been moved to Artemis IV, tentatively set for 2028.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced the revised plan in February. The change allows more time to test the Starship human landing system and ensure safety before attempting a surface touchdown.
Science beyond the moon
The James Webb Space Telescope continues to deliver discoveries alongside the Artemis program. Recent observations include new details about an alien planet where rock clouds vaporize before sunset. The combination of crewed exploration and telescope observations keeps 2026 a busy year for space science.