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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Rachel Dobkin

Trump’s message for Artemis II crew after historic moon flyby

  • The four crew members of the Artemis II mission travelled about 252,760 miles away from Earth, marking NASA's closest encounter with the moon in over 50 years.
  • After circling the far side of the moon, the astronauts experienced a 40-minute communications blackout before re-establishing contact with Mission Control.
  • US President Donald Trump spoke with the crew via audio communications, commending their historic achievement and expressing national pride, saying: “You've made history and made all America incredibly proud.”
  • The President emphasised the mission's significance in paving the way for America's return to the lunar surface and future crewed missions to Mars.
  • The 10-day mission, which launched last Wednesday, is expected to conclude with the crew splashing down in the Pacific on Friday evening.

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