The Moon is already on Google Maps—did Artemis II really tell us anything new?

The Moon is already on Google Maps, but Artemis II still sent back fresh crewed views.

Orion, named Integrity, reconnected with Earth through a laser communications link after passing behind the Moon.

NASA released the first Artemis II images on Tuesday, and they came down through that link.

The crew—Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen—used Nikon cameras and iPhones to capture views through Orion windows.

Artemis II is the first crewed lunar mission in more than 53 years and is headed for Friday evening reentry and splashdown.