NASA’s Artemis missions are sending astronauts to explore the Moon for the first time in over fifty years. In early 2026, four Artemis II crew members will fly by the lunar far side at an altitude of approximately 3,000 to 9,000 miles, testing the Orion capsule and venturing further into deep space than anyone has gone before. Artemis II Visualization Lead Ernie Wright has simulated views of the flyby using detailed topographic maps of the lunar terrain and photorealistic lighting scenarios. The Artemis II crew members are using these visualizations to prepare for their historic mission, which will pave the way for future exploration of the Moon’s surface and beyond.