From Marsaxlokk to the Stars: Eight Photos from Artemis II

Imagine standing on the bustling Marsaxlokk market, the scent of fresh fish and the chatter of locals filling the air. Now, picture trading that view for a window onto the universe. This is the reality for Maltese astronaut, Major Frank De Winne, who’s part of the crew on NASA’s Artemis II mission. Let’s explore eight stunning photos from this historic journey.

Blast Off: The Launch

The Artemis II mission launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on November 16. The Space Launch System (SLS) rocket roared to life, carrying the Orion spacecraft and its crew. Among them was Major De Winne, the first European to fly on an American spacecraft since John Glenn in 1998. The launch was a spectacle, and these photos capture the raw power and emotion of the moment.

Earth from Space: A Blue Marble

As Orion ascended, it offered a unique perspective of our planet. The crew snapped photos of Earth, a blue marble suspended in the blackness of space. These images remind us of our shared home and the fragility of our existence. They also serve as a poignant reminder of the beauty we’re fighting to protect here in Malta and beyond.

Lunar Flyby: A Close Encounter

On November 21, Orion performed a flyby of the Moon, coming within 81 miles of the lunar surface. The crew captured stunning images of the Moon’s craters and mountains, a stark reminder of the harsh conditions astronauts will face during future lunar missions. These photos also offer a glimpse into our past, with the Moon’s surface bearing the scars of ancient asteroid impacts.

Malta from Space: A Nostalgic View

Major De Winne shared a personal moment with his fellow astronauts, pointing out Malta from his window. The tiny island nation, a speck in the vast Mediterranean, must have seemed a world away from the cold emptiness of space. This moment highlights the unique perspective astronauts gain, looking back at Earth and appreciating the beauty of our home.

Sunrise in Space: A Daily Wonder

Space travel offers a unique opportunity to witness the sunrise every 90 minutes. The crew captured these mesmerizing images, showing the sun’s rays painting the sky with hues of orange, pink, and purple. These photos remind us of the beauty that exists beyond our planet and the joy of witnessing something so simple yet extraordinary.

Artemis II: A New Era

The Artemis II mission marks a significant step towards NASA’s goal of landing astronauts on the Moon by 2025. These photos offer a glimpse into the future of space exploration, a future that Major De Winne and Malta are now intrinsically linked to.

As we look to the stars, let’s remember to appreciate the beauty and wonder of our own planet. Let’s strive to protect our environment and foster a sense of global unity, inspired by the perspective of our pale blue dot from space.

Major De Winne’s journey on the Artemis II mission may be coming to an end, but his legacy as a pioneer for Maltese space exploration is just beginning. Let’s celebrate his achievement and look forward to the future, both here on Earth and among the stars.