NASA’s Artemis II astronauts are continuing their fly-by journey around the moon.
University of Arizona astrophysics professor Erika Hamden expressed the excitement scientists shared as the spacecraft made its closest approach to the moon last night.
“For me, every time I look at where they are and what they’re doing and see the trajectory, I just feel so fortunate that I get to experience this in real time," she said.
The mission plan called for the Artemis crew to document more than 30 features on the lunar surface during their pass around the moon’s far side. Hamden says the pictures and other data the astronauts are bringing back will keep scientists busy for years.
She adds it will be years before humans get this close to the lunar surface again.
“A 2028 target for a landing would be really incredible, only two years from now. So, they really have to take advantage of this time and try and get as much information as possible.”
The astronauts are scheduled to splash down in the Pacific Ocean late afternoon Friday
