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ScienceApr 5, 2026

NASA finalizes science plans for Artemis 2 lunar flyby

NASA finalizes science plans for Artemis 2 lunar flyby
Image source: SpaceNews
Story Brief

WASHINGTON — As Artemis 2 approaches the moon, a NASA science team is finalizing plans for the observations they want the astronauts to perform during their flyby.

A science evaluation room for the mission at the Johnson Space Center has been working since the April 1 launch to finalize an observation plan. "What the crew is studying today is the 80% solution. It's a study guide," she said.

The trajectory of Orion has remained accurate enough that flight controllers canceled the second of three planned outbound correction maneuvers that was scheduled for April 4, after canceling the first on April 3.

Reference Details
SpaceNews

As Artemis 2 approaches the moon, a NASA science team is finalizing plans for the observations they want the astronauts to perform during their flyby.

https://spacenews.com/nasa-finalizes-science-plans-for-artemis-2-lunar-flyby
Space.com

The four Artemis 2 astronauts had a chance to observe the moon this weekend, and to say they were thrilled may be an understatement of cosmic proportions.

https://www.space.com/space-exploration/artemis/when-the-moon-hits-your-eye-from-your-orion-ship-up-high-thats-a-mare
Space.com

Plans are in place for the crew of Artemis 2 to try to replicate one of the most famous images ever taken from space — Apollo 8's shot of Earth rising over the moon's horizon.

https://www.space.com/space-exploration/artemis/artemis-2-moon-astronauts-will-try-to-recreate-apollo-8s-historic-earthrise-photo-during-april-6-flyby
NASA

Linked context from approved X discussion. Artemis is at the center of the work described here. The article gives the result shape with details such as 1536 km, 379 km, and 967 km.

https://www.nasa.gov/missions/artemis-ii/arow/
spacepolicyonline.com

Posted: April 5, 2026 3:34 pm ET | Last Updated: April 5, 2026 3:35 pm ET | Get SpacePolicyOnline.com's list of space policy events for the week of April 5-11, 2026 including the o

https://spacepolicyonline.com/news/whats-happening-in-space-policy-april-5-11-2026
X · Jeff Foust

RT @SpaceNews_Inc: NASA finalizes science plans for Artemis 2 lunar flyby https://t.co/gajEcVW4w5 https://t.co/tadNHOkkzi

https://x.com/jeff_foust/status/2040747462910935243
X · Lockheed Martin Space

RT @NASA: Lock in, we’re Moonbound. Artemis II astronauts are more than halfway to their destination, and preparations for lunar flyby are…

https://x.com/LMSpace/status/2040416821459972292
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