Watch PBS’ ‘Return to the Moon’ Documentary on YouTube After Artemis II Splashdown

After safely splashing down, the crew of NASA’s Artemis II mission has returned to Earth. But for those still captivated by the Moon or eager to understand how the second mission in NASA’s five-part lunar program unfolded, PBS has released a new documentary you can stream now.

The hour-long documentary, titled Return to the Moon, was produced for PBS’ NOVA and originally aired on television on April 15. It is now available in its entirety on YouTube.

Inside the Artemis II Mission: A Historic Journey Beyond Earth Orbit

Return to the Moon provides a comprehensive overview of NASA’s Artemis program, with a focus on the planning, preparation, and execution of Artemis II. The film follows the four astronauts as they embark on a 10-day mission to orbit the Moon—marking the first time humans have ventured beyond Earth’s orbit since Apollo 17 in 1972.

According to the documentary’s official description:

Follow the four members of the Artemis II crew as they embark on a perilous 10-day journey to orbit the Moon, venturing beyond Earth orbit for the first time since Apollo and farther into the Solar System than any humans have gone before. And get an inside look at the preparations needed to overcome the extreme engineering challenges of human-crewed spaceflight, all the way from launch to splashdown.

The mission not only pushed the boundaries of human spaceflight but also captured breathtaking images of the Moon and Earth, resonating with audiences worldwide. Few lunar missions have been as thoroughly documented or as relatable to the public.

Why ‘Return to the Moon’ Stands Out

With the final Apollo mission taking place in 1972, Artemis II represents a monumental step forward in space exploration. The crew flew farther from Earth than any humans before them, delivering stunning visuals and rekindling global excitement for lunar exploration. The documentary captures the meticulous engineering, teamwork, and innovation required to overcome the challenges of deep-space travel.

Whether you’re a space enthusiast, a science educator, or simply curious about humanity’s next chapter on the Moon, Return to the Moon offers an unparalleled perspective on this historic mission.