The Artemis II mission crossed a crucial and historic threshold Thursday when the Orion spacecraft ignited its engine and propelled four astronauts toward the moon, setting them on a days-long slingshot trip that will reach deeper into space than any human ...

By Joey Roulette CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida, April 1 (Reuters) - NASA is set to launch four astronauts as soon as Wednesday evening on a 10-day flight around the moon, marking the most ambitious U.S. space mission in decades and a major step toward returning humans to the lunar surface before China's first crewed landing.

Astronauts captured a stunning and rare lightning event called "red sprites" from Earth orbit that could impact radio, climate, and safety.

"Artemis II demonstrated extraordinary skill, courage, and dedication as the crew pushed Orion, SLS (Space Launch System), and human exploration farther than ever before. As the first astronauts to fly this rocket and spacecraft, the crew accepted significant risk in service of the knowledge gained and the future we are determined to build."

All eyes were in the sky, and the Pacific Ocean, this month as viewers around the world kept tabs on NASA's Artemis II launch, mission and splashdown. While many across the country learned more about the astronauts that accomplished a historic moon mission, one in particular may have jumped out to Philly natives — Christina Koch.

Now that the Artemis II astronauts are safely home from their moon mission, NASA is investigating how well its spacecraft's heat shield protected the crew during their return.