Artemis II to Offer Unseen Views of Moon’s Far Side in Historic Flyby

Astronauts set to observe hidden lunar regions and surface details never witnessed directly by humans

The upcoming lunar flyby by NASA’s Artemis II is poised to give astronauts a rare opportunity to witness previously unseen portions of the Moon, particularly its mysterious far side.

The four-member crew — Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen — are expected to closely study lunar terrain during their journey. Unlike Earth, the Moon’s far side permanently faces away from our planet, making it one of the least directly observed regions in human space exploration.

NASA astronaut Reid Wiseman and the rest of the crew did field training in Iceland.

As the spacecraft Orion spacecraft approaches the Moon, astronauts have already begun documenting its surface using high-powered cameras. Among the notable features expected to be observed is the massive Orientale Basin, a vast impact structure marking a transition between the near and far sides of the Moon.

An inflatable moon is hoisted above the Orion mockup for crew lunar observation training.

NASA astronauts Christina Koch (left) and Victor Glover, and Canadian Space Agency astronauts Jeremy Hansen and Jenni Gibbons did geology training.

Experts note that the crew’s vantage point — though farther than earlier missions — will allow a broader, full-disk perspective of the Moon. The spacecraft will pass at a distance of roughly 4,000 miles, offering a unique observational advantage compared to closer but more limited flybys during the Apollo missions.

Scientists believe that direct human observation could play a key role in identifying subtle variations in color, texture, and geological formations. These visual cues may help explain long-standing differences between the Moon’s near side — known for volcanic plains — and its rugged, thicker far side.

The mission also builds on lessons from earlier expeditions. During Apollo 17, astronauts identified unusual orange soil that later revealed extended volcanic activity on the Moon. Similar observations during Artemis II could provide fresh insights into lunar composition and evolution.

To prepare, the crew underwent extensive geological training, including field exercises on Earth designed to simulate lunar conditions. During the flyby, astronauts will spend several hours observing the Moon, capturing images and relaying real-time descriptions to scientists on Earth.

Researchers are particularly interested in how changing light angles during the spacecraft’s trajectory may reveal hidden details of the Moon’s surface — a technique known as photometric observation.

Although Artemis II will not include a landing, scientists say the mission’s findings could significantly enhance understanding of the Moon’s history, including ancient impact events that shaped its surface — records that no longer exist on Earth.