In an extraordinary feat, NASA has released a groundbreaking photograph taken from the far side of the moon. Captured by the Artemis II astronauts during a flyby, this image marks the first time humanity has witnessed Earth from this unique vantage point. President Donald Trump praised these astronauts as “modern-day pioneers” during a congratulatory phone call.
This remarkable snapshot, the first of its kind, evokes memories of the legendary “Earthrise” photograph taken by astronaut Bill Anders during the Apollo 8 mission nearly six decades ago. NASA has christened this new image “Earthset,” a nod to its illustrious predecessor from 1968.
Sharing the image on X, the White House expressed the significance of this achievement, stating, “Humanity, from the other side. First photo from the far side of the Moon. Captured from Orion as Earth dips beyond the lunar horizon.”
The “Earthset” photograph was snapped through the window of the Orion spacecraft on Monday, as the Artemis II crew executed their lunar flyby. NASA’s latest endeavor continues to push the boundaries of space exploration, offering fresh perspectives on our home planet.
In a conversation with the Artemis II astronauts, President Trump commended their historic accomplishment, saying, “Today you’ve made history and made all of America really proud. Incredibly proud.” This milestone not only celebrates technological advancement but also unites the nation in awe of what human ingenuity can achieve.
Trump took a call with the astronauts on the Artemis II mission late Monday, saying: “Today you’ve made history and made all of America really proud. Incredibly proud.”
“Humans have really never seen anything quite like what you’re doing in a manned spacecraft. It’s really special,” Trump added. “I want to personally salute and congratulate Commander Reid Weissman, Pilot Victor Glover, Mission Specialists Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen.“
NASA reported that the Earthset photo was captured through the window of the Orion spacecraft around 7 p.m. ET on Monday during a flyby of the moon, without giving any of the four Artemis II crew members specific photographer’s credit.
NASA described the view from the photo as a “muted blue Earth with bright white clouds sets behind the cratered lunar surface.”
“The dark portion of Earth is experiencing nighttime,” NASA wrote. “On Earth’s day side, swirling clouds are visible over the Australia and Oceania region.”
The Orion holds 32 cameras, according to NASA. Fifteen cameras are fixed to the spacecraft, and 17 are handheld by crew members.
The lunar surface fills the frame in sharp detail, as seen during the Artemis II lunar flyby on Monday. (NASA)
Artemis II Mission Specialist Christina Koch remarked upon the beauty of the Earth from the crew’s unique vantage point, calling it “special.”
“The thing that changed for me, looking back at Earth, was that I found myself noticing not only the beauty of the Earth, but how much blackness there was around it and how it just made it even more special,” Koch recalled.
The Artemis II astronauts begin their journey back to Earth Tuesday, with the crew expected to travel a total of 695,081 miles total from launch to splashdown. Their mission is projected to be over 4,000 miles further from the Earth than Apollo 13.
The Artemis II capsule is projected to make its West Coast splashdown early Friday evening off the coast near San Diego.
“Your mission paves the way for America’s return to the lunar surface very soon,” Trump told the Artemis II crew.
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