NASA already has next Artemis flight in its sights following astronauts’ triumphant moon flyby - AP News

With NASA's lunar comeback a galactic-sized smash, the space agency already has the next Artemis flight in its sights. In a mission recently tacked on for next year, Artemis III’s yet-to-be -named crew will practice docking their Orion capsule with a lunar lander in orbit around Earth. Then it will be on to Artemis IV's astronaut moon landing in 2028. NASA threw a Texas-sized welcome home party in Houston on Saturday for the four Artemis II astronauts who flew around the moon last week. The three Americans and one Canadian returned to Earth on Friday to close out humanity's first lunar voya...

NASA already has next Artemis flight in its sights following astronauts’ triumphant moon flyby

AP’s aerospace writer Marcia Dunn described the energy during the astronaut’s homecoming event in Houston on Saturday as “moment of happiness...peace and well wishes for our planet Earth.” (AP Video: Kendria LaFleur, Production: Vanessa A. Alvarez)

In this image provided by NASA, The Artemis II crew captured this view of an Earthset on Monday, April 6, 2026, as they flew around the Moon. (NASA via AP)

The Artemis II crew, from left, Jeremy Hansen, Reid Wiseman, Christina Koch and Victor Glover gather with Hansen as he speaks during a crew return event Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Ellington Field in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)

In this image provided by NASA, the Artemis II crew photographed a bright portion of the Moon on April 6, 2026. (NASA via AP)

In this image provided by NASA, The Artemis II crew, clockwise from left, Mission Specialist Christina Koch, Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen, Commander Reid Wiseman, and Pilot Victor Glover, take time out for a group hug inside the Orion spacecraft on their way home on Wednesday, April 7, 2026. (NASA via AP)

Jared Isaacman, NASA Administrator, speaks before introducing the Artemis II crew during a return event Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Ellington Field in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)

HOUSTON (AP) — Never-before-glimpsed views of the moon’s far side. Check. Total solar eclipse gracing the lunar scene. Check. New distance record for humanity. Check.

With NASA’s lunar comeback a galactic-sized smash thanks to Artemis II, the world is wondering: What’s next? And how do you top that?

“To people all around the world who look up and dream about what is possible, the long wait is over,” NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said as he introduced Artemis II commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Canada’s Jeremy Hansen at Saturday’s jubilant homecoming celebration.

Now that the first lunar travelers in more than a half-century are safely back in Houston with their families, NASA has Artemis III in its sights.

“The next mission’s right around the corner,” entry flight director Rick Henfling observed following the crew’s Pacific splashdown on Friday.

In a mission recently added to the docket for next year, Artemis III’s yet-to-be -named astronauts will practice docking their Orion capsule with a lunar lander or two in orbit around Earth. Elon Musk’s SpaceX and Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin are racing to have their company’s lander ready first.

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