The team aboard NASA’s Orion spacecraft has released new stunning images from space as they observe the first views of the opposite side of the Moon.
NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, along with Canada’s Jeremy Hansen, are embarking on an extraordinary journey of 252,757 miles from Earth, surpassing any previous human space travel record, as part of the groundbreaking Artemis II mission.
After traveling for four days, the crew witnessed the far side of the Moon for the first time, with mission specialist Christina Koch expressing awe at the sight. Koch described the view as “absolutely spectacular,” noting the unique appearance of the Moon’s dark regions.
However, a technical issue arose onboard the spacecraft as the toilet malfunctioned once again. Mission Control directed the astronauts to utilize additional backup urine collection bags until the bathroom problem is resolved. The crew reported unusual smells emanating from the malfunctioning toilet, with concerns raised about a burning odor.
NASA attributed the toilet malfunction to potential vent line freezing following the liftoff on Wednesday. Efforts are underway to address the issue by repositioning the spacecraft to allow sunlight to thaw the vent line, enabling the astronauts to resume normal bathroom usage.
In a separate development, the Artemis II crew engaged in a video call with Canadian children from inside the spacecraft, showcasing some of the food items they have been consuming during the mission. The team also demonstrated a CPR procedure in space and provided updates on their progress as they prepare to circle the far side of the Moon before concluding their mission and returning to Earth on April 10.
