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Trump calls Artemis II astronauts "modern-day pioneers" in live conversation after circling the moon
Updated on: April 6, 2026 / 11:24 PM EDT / CBS News
TL;DR
- President Trump spoke to the Artemis II astronauts after their historic moon voyage.
- The astronauts traveled farther from Earth than any humans in history, setting a new distance record.
- They were the first humans to see parts of the far side of the moon with the naked eye.
- Trump called the astronauts "modern-day pioneers" and praised their "courage" and "genius."
- The mission is seen as a precursor to returning humans to the moon and eventually traveling to Mars.
- Astronauts shared memorable moments, including seeing Mars during a solar eclipse and viewing Earth from deep space.
- The Artemis II mission is scheduled to splash down in the Pacific Ocean on Friday.
- Trump expressed a desire to invite the astronauts to the Oval Office upon their return.