Earthset.
The Artemis II crew captured this view of an Earthset on April 6, 2026, as they flew around the Moon. The image is reminiscent of the iconic Earthrise image taken by astronaut Bill Anders 58 years earlier as the Apollo 8 crew flew around the Moon.
That is my home of love; if I have ranged,
Like him that travels I return again,
For nothing this wide universe I call,
Save thou, my rose; in it thou art my all.
#Shakespeare sonnet 109 #ArtemisII
As he nears the end of his term in office, and to celebrate Culture Night, @PresidentIRL Michael D Higgins delivers a very special cultural reflection from Áras an Uachtaráin.
#CultureNight
Even just this headline overwhelms me, let alone the full reality. I've never so viscerally felt the disconnect between those who see, those who don't, and those who choose to turn away than I have in the last 2 years.
https://t.co/FVVwWfCsPq
“All these traumas are the reason why the Irish took almost 150 years before they could memorialise what they experienced in the 1840s. Those who inflict starvation are aware of this, they know that what they’re doing is actually dismantling a society.”
https://t.co/LIXmlkgc6c
For me, I will remember him as the Pope who called the Holy Family Church in Gaza every day as the city, and even the church itself, was bombed by Israel.
It’s been just over a week since our launch. As I reflect, these are the core memories that will stay with me from that unforgettable day:
Watching the suit engineers meticulously check each connection and seal—something I deeply appreciated.
Seeing my friends and family during walkout. My children, smiling behind the glass, playing rock-paper-scissors with me as we waited for the pressure check. Waving our final goodbyes.
Walking up to our rocket and realizing—it’s a living, breathing giant. The gravity of the moment didn’t fully hit me until I saw frosty snowflakes drifting off the supercooled rocket and heard the groans of metal expanding and contracting.
Thinking of my family as I listened to our launch playlist while waiting on the launchpad. Then listening to the engines roar to life, feeling the G-forces slowly building in our chests, and being impressed by how familiar it all felt—the launch, ascent, and orbital insertion—like another sim or centrifuge run. A true testament to the depth and excellence of the training we received.
And then there it was, the International Space Station. A shining cathedral of metal, floating just beyond our window on final approach.
Reuniting with our friends from MS-26 and Crew-10 after hatch opening was a moment of pure joy.
Life aboard the ISS has been busy adjusting to the new environment and learning how to contribute to the mission. This national laboratory above our planet is alive with science, discovery, and purpose, and I’m excited to share it with you over the next eight months.
“The west part of the island was beautiful. Until it drifted off.”
“Drifted off?”
“Yes, there was a storm and it just came loose. Now, we don’t have a west side. Just north, south, and east.” #StormÉowyn