As the 8 billion residents of Earth send their heartfelt greetings toward the sky, the team aboard NASA’s Artemis II mission returns the sentiment with optimism. The Orion spacecraft unveiled its inaugural image of Earth yesterday, revealing a mesmerizing crescent Earth rising from the vast darkness of space, and today the crew has unveiled even more stunning high-resolution images.

This monochrome photograph of Earth was captured by an optical navigation sensor on the outside of the Orion spacecraft. Credit: NASA

The fresh Artemis II visuals, combined with initial images of the spacecraft journeying through Earth’s orbit amidst shimmering galactic ice, have captivated the public, with social media filled with emotions as the astronauts look back at our planet.

The crew of Artemis II—Commander Reid Wiseman, mission specialists Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen, alongside pilot Victor Glover—features both the first woman and the first Black astronaut assigned to a lunar mission. For many, this diverse group embodies the height of human creativity and courage. “Believe us: You look incredible, you look beautiful, and from up here, you seem like one thing,” Glover remarked during a broadcast on Flight Day 2. “We’re all one people.”

This groundbreaking mission to the moon will take them further than any humans have previously ventured in space, ideally signaling the start of ongoing attempts to revisit the lunar surface and ushering in a new era akin to Apollo. And it’s just the beginning. NASA is uploading photos on its website, where you can explore additional new Artemis II images:

Wave hello! Artemis II is observing us. Credit: NASA / Reid Wiseman

There we all are. The blue marble. The substantial landmass in the center-left is Africa. The delicate line of glowing green light on the upper right and lower left? The aurora borealis, floating above us and illuminating our sky as Artemis II departs.

Take a look at this remarkable image of Earth through the Orion capsule’s window, which NASA shared with a cheerful “Good Morning” to the spacecraft’s occupants and the teams back home. Stay safe, Orion crew. We’re all supporting you.

Wondering where the Artemis II mission is currently located? Check out NASA’s live mission tracker.