Artemis II Crew Enters Lunar Sphere of Influence, Prepares for Monday Flyby

Mission control transmitted the final Lunar Targeting Plan for the April 6 flyby, assigning 30 observation targets during a six-hour window from 2:45-9:40 PM EDT. Targets include the 600-mile-wide Orientale basin, ancient lava flows, and crustal features that illuminate the Moon's and solar system's formation. The crew will also observe a solar eclipse from lunar orbit, analyze the solar corona, and watch for meteoroid impact flashes to assess surface hazards for future Artemis landings.