Artemis II is now closer to the Moon than to Earth, astronauts report.

Artemis II has entered the Moon's sphere of influence and is now closer to the Moon than Earth; the crew says Earth looks like a small 'marbled marble' while the Moon fills their windows. The spacecraft is on a planned free-return trajectory and the crew is performing life‑support checks ahead of a scheduled far-side communication blackout.

Artemis II has passed into the Moon's sphere of influence and is now physically closer to the Moon than to Earth. Crew members describe a rapid change in perspective as the Moon grows from a distant point to a large, cratered world visible through Orion's windows. The flight profile has shifted from climbing away from Earth to falling toward the Moon, allowing the mission to use lunar gravity to shape its path. Astronauts are completing final life‑support checks ahead of a planned radio blackout during the far-side flyby. Key points: - Artemis II entered the Moon's Sphere of Influence on Day 4 and is now closer to the Moon than to Earth. - The spacecraft will follow a figure-eight path that takes it about 6,400 miles beyond the lunar far side. - Crew observations include Earth appearing like a "marbled marble" and the Moon appearing distinctly three-dimensional and cratered. - The mission is on a free-return trajectory designed to return Orion toward a Pacific Ocean splashdown if the main engine fails. - Crew members are conducting final checks on life-support systems and preparing for a period when the Moon will block radio contact with Mission Control. Summary: Entering the Moon's sphere of influence shifts navigation and lets lunar gravity conserve spacecraft fuel as planned. The crew is focused on system checks and preparations for the far-side communication blackout during the upcoming flyby. The mission remains on a free-return path that would bring Orion back toward the Pacific Ocean if needed.