Artemis II Astronauts View Moon’s Far Side, War Tensions Rise

Artemis II Crew Makes History Circling Moon

The Artemis II mission has achieved a monumental feat, with its four-person crew becoming the first humans to witness the far side of the Moon with the naked eye. The Orion spacecraft completed a record-breaking journey, traveling farther from Earth than any humans before them. This accomplishment surpassed the previous distance record set by Apollo 13 in 1970 by over 4,000 miles.

Astronaut Jeremy Hansen, speaking from the Orion spacecraft, called the mission a tribute to past explorers. He also issued a challenge to future generations, stating, “We most importantly choose this moment to challenge this generation and the next, to make sure this record is not long lived.” President Trump spoke with the astronauts, calling them “modern day pioneers” who “inspired the whole world.”

Tom Costello, NBC News Senior Correspondent, reported from the Johnson Space Center in Houston that the Orion spacecraft is currently on its return trajectory to Earth. The mission has so far gone flawlessly. The spacecraft is expected to splash down in the Pacific Ocean on Friday around 8 p.m. Eastern Time. The crew is currently asleep, heading back after a spectacular mission.

A New Perspective of the Moon

During their journey, the astronauts flew over the far side of the Moon at an altitude of about 4,000 to 5,000 miles. This allowed them to see the entire far side, pole to pole, for the first time in human history. Unlike the Apollo astronauts, who had a limited view due to lower altitudes, the Artemis II crew had an unobstructed, panoramic perspective.

The crew has described and photographed the lunar landscape extensively. These images and descriptions have been transmitted to NASA and will be released soon. Dr. Emily Rice, an astronomer and space scientist, emphasized the significance of this new view. “This is just amazing. I cannot overemphasize how stunning this is and how much this will inspire future generations,” she said. Dr. Rice noted the difference between seeing a small fraction of Earth from the International Space Station and seeing the entire illuminated far side of the Moon.

The astronauts also witnessed an eclipse from their unique vantage point. Pilot Victor Glover described the experience as something humans may not have evolved to see, calling it “truly hard to describe.” Dr. Rice explained that seeing the Sun’s corona, its outer atmosphere, from space during an eclipse is a phenomenal experience, different from viewing one from Earth due to the lack of atmospheric effects.

Iran Tensions Escalate Amidst Deadline

Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts to end the conflict with Iran appear stalled. President Trump has set an 8 p.m. Eastern deadline for Iran to reach a deal or face strikes on its critical infrastructure. The President described a potential outcome for Iran as devastating, stating, “We’re giving them till tomorrow, 8:00 Eastern Time, and after that, they’re going to have no bridges. They’re going to have no power plants. Stone ages.”

NBC News International Correspondent Matt Bradley reported from Israel that this is at least the fifth time the President has moved this ultimatum. Bradley noted that Iran may be taking these threats less seriously as deadlines have been extended previously. However, the President seems serious this time about targeting Iranian power infrastructure if Iran does not comply with his demand to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Bradley drew a parallel to Russia striking Ukrainian energy infrastructure, calling such actions war crimes. He also mentioned that Iran has rejected the latest U.S. offer for a 45-day ceasefire, delivered via Pakistan. Iran insists on a complete and final end to what they call U.S. and Israeli aggression.

Congressional Response and Military Funding

Members of Congress are reacting to the President’s threats, with Republicans largely supporting his strategy and Democrats expressing concern. Senator Lindsey Graham defended the President’s approach, arguing that Iran cannot be allowed to control the Strait of Hormuz. Conversely, Democratic Senator Chris Murphy called the President’s statements “completely, utterly unhinged” and suggested invoking the 25th Amendment.

Many lawmakers are familiar with the President’s pattern of escalating rhetoric as a negotiating tactic. The White House has also requested $1.5 trillion to fund the Department of Defense, a significant increase. Senator Tim Kaine has questioned the justification for this massive funding request, and securing the necessary votes in the Senate is seen as a challenge.

Additionally, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is seeking more information regarding reports that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is holding up promotions for several Black and female senior officers. Gillibrand expressed concern that these holds might be motivated by political ideology or bias, rather than merit. NBC News had previously reported on these delayed promotions for over a dozen officers.

Military Analyst on Threats and Capabilities

Colonel Steve Warren, an NBC News military analyst, commented on the situation. He suggested that a canceled Pentagon press briefing might have been related to the President’s upcoming deadline and potential military action. Regarding the threat to civilian infrastructure, Colonel Warren stated that the military is discussing it internally and is confident that leadership will operate within legal bounds.

He also addressed the downing of an American F-15 fighter jet by a shoulder-fired missile in Iran. Colonel Warren explained that while the U.S. military has achieved air superiority, it does not mean skies are completely safe. Simple, older weapons like shoulder-fired missiles are still a threat and difficult to eradicate completely.

Weather Watch: Flood Watch in Florida

In weather news, a flood watch is in effect for Florida’s east coast, impacting 7 million people. Heavy rain and the potential for urban flooding are expected due to a stationary front. Strong northeasterly winds of 20 to 50 mph could cause coastal erosion and dangerous rip currents. Meanwhile, parts of the Northeast are experiencing light showers and snow, and a significant portion of the Ohio Valley and Appalachians are under freeze alerts.

Source: This Morning’s Top Headlines – April 7 | Morning News NOW (YouTube)