04/06/2026
Day 6 of Artemis II here, and today marks one of the most pivotal moments of the entire mission.
As the crew travels farther into deep space, they have entered the Moon’s gravitational sphere and are preparing for a historic lunar flyby. Here is today’s agenda and timeline.
⚫ A Record-Breaking Lunar Approach: 1:56 p.m. EDT
The crew is closing in on the Moon, setting up a multi-hour flyby that will take them within 4,000–6,000 miles of the lunar surface. This maneuver will also push them farther from Earth than any humans have ever been, breaking the previous record set by Apollo 13.
⚫ Far Side Observations: 2:45 p.m. EDT
As they pass behind the Moon, the crew will capture imagery and scientific data from regions never directly observed by humans, including key geological features on the far side of the Moon.
⚫ Communications Blackout: 6:44 – 7:25 p.m. EDT
One of the most defining moments: a roughly 40-minute loss of signal as Orion moves behind the Moon, testing autonomy, resilience, and mission readiness in deep space.
⚫ A Solar Eclipse to Conclude Observations: 8:35 – 9:32 p.m. EDT
In a remarkable finale to the day, the Artemis II crew will witness a solar eclipse from deep space, as the Moon eclipses the Sun from their extraordinary vantage point.
At Stellar Technology, we are proud to support missions like Artemis, delivering the specialized engineering expertise required for humanity’s return to deep space. As Artemis II pushes the boundaries of exploration, it is innovations like these that are helping pave the way for a sustained human presence on the Moon and beyond. 🚀
Image Credit: NASA
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