# The Artemis II mission marked a historic return to lunar exploration.

*aerospace, business · news · 2026-04-15 · Devdiscourse*

## Key points

- Artemis II astronauts captured notable Earth and moon images under guidance from Reichert and Willoughby.
- Amazon's $11.6 billion Globalstar acquisition is hampered by limited available rocket launches.
- SpaceX currently surpasses rivals, including Amazon, in access to necessary rocket launch capacity.
- NASA probe data reveal possible Martian continental shelf, supporting theories of an ancient ocean.

The Artemis II mission marked a historic return to lunar exploration. Guided by expert photographers, the astronauts captured breathtaking images of the Earth and moon, impressing both the public and their trainers, Paul Reichert and Katrina Willoughby. Despite its recent $11.6 billion acquisition of Globalstar, Amazon faces challenges. Analysts highlight the persistent shortage in rocket launches needed to deploy the promised satellite network, an area where SpaceX currently excels. In an exciting cosmic discovery, scientists have identified possible contours of an ancient ocean on Mars, shedding new light on the planet's watery past. Data collected over a decade by a NASA probe suggest the existence of a Martian continental shelf, intriguing researchers with its implications.

**Companies:** Amazon, SpaceX
**Countries:** United States

[Read the full story on Devdiscourse](https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/technology/3875618-astronomical-feats-artemis-iis-stunning-photography-and-amazons-astral-moves)

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