The team aboard NASA’s Orion spacecraft has released new breathtaking images from space as they witness the far side of the Moon for the first time during their ongoing mission. NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, along with Canada’s Jeremy Hansen, are embarking on the historic Artemis II journey, traveling 252,757 miles from Earth, a record distance for human space exploration.
On the fourth day of their expedition, the crew marveled at the sight of the Moon’s far side, with Christina Koch expressing awe at the spectacular view. The astronauts noted the unique appearance of the Moon’s darker regions, confirming their observations with lunar targeting data.
Despite their cosmic voyage, the crew faced a terrestrial challenge as the spacecraft’s toilet malfunctioned, prompting Mission Control to advise them to utilize additional backup urine collection bags until repairs are made. Reports indicated unusual odors emanating from the toilet, with concerns raised about a potential issue related to frozen vent lines affecting its operation.
In efforts to resolve the toilet problem, the spacecraft will be repositioned to allow sunlight to thaw the wastewater vent line. The crew, including Commander Reid Wiseman, engaged in various activities onboard, including interacting with Canadian children and demonstrating CPR procedures in space.
This mission marks a significant milestone in space exploration, with the crew scheduled to orbit the far side of the Moon before concluding their journey and returning to Earth on April 10.
