There’s something undeniably powerful about seeing the Moon through the lens of astronauts. These aren’t just photos, they’re moments in history, captured from a perspective most of us will never experience firsthand.
The best part? Many of NASA’s most incredible images are completely free to download and print. And with the right format, you can turn them into seriously striking wall art.
Let’s walk through exactly how to find, download, and print NASA Moon photos, plus how to make them look incredible in your space.
Where to Find Free NASA Moon Photos
1. Artemis II Lunar Flyby Gallery
Start here: https://www.nasa.gov/gallery/lunar-flyby/
This gallery features images from the Artemis II mission, including the first flyby photos of the Moon captured by astronauts during their historic test flight.
NASA describes the collection as,“The first flyby images of the Moon captured by NASA’s Artemis II astronauts during their historic test flight reveal regions of the Moon's far side, as well as an in-space solar eclipse… showing humanity’s return to the Moon’s vicinity.”
These images are fresh (released April 2026) and already iconic, perfect for statement wall art.
2. NASA Image & Video Library
This is the goldmine: https://images.nasa.gov/
You can search for:
- Moon surface details
- Earthrise shots
- Lunar eclipses
- Deep space imagery
Everything here is available in high resolution, which is exactly what you want for printing.
3. Example Image (Perfect for Printing)
This particular image captures a crescent Earth as seen from near the Moon, a perspective that’s both surreal and beautiful.
NASA’s description highlights, “As the Artemis II crew came close to passing behind the Moon and experiencing a planned loss of signal, they captured this image of a crescent Earth. Seen from afar, it almost looks like a circular arc – except when backlit, as in other images captured by the Artemis II crew. Earth is in a crescent phase, with sunlight coming from the right. The dark portion of Earth is experiencing nighttime. On Earth’s day side, swirling clouds are visible over muted blue in the Australia and Oceania region.”
The photo below shows what this image looks like printed on an HD Metal Print and displayed on the wall. It becomes an instant focal point and conversation starter.
What It Took to Capture These Moon Photos
Those stunning Moon images didn’t happen by chance. They were the result of years of preparation before the Artemis II mission, with astronauts undergoing specialized photography training to prepare for shooting in space, where conditions are nothing like Earth.
According to this CBC article, NASA had the Artemis II crew train with photography and video experts Paul Reichert and Katrina Willoughby, putting them through about 20 hours of hands on training over several years to prepare for shooting in space.
The challenge is that everything changes in orbit. Lighting is unpredictable, movement is constant, and even something as simple as framing a shot becomes far more complex when you are working through spacecraft windows.
When it came to gear, the crew used a mix of professional grade cameras and lenses like the Nikon D5 and Nikon Z9 mirrorless camera, along with several lenses including 14 to 24mm, 80 to 400mm, and 35mm options. They also used something that’s perhaps a little unexpected, the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max. That combination of high end equipment and everyday tech helped capture everything from detailed lunar surfaces to those iconic Earth from space shots.
How to Download High-Resolution NASA Images
Here’s the simple process:
- Open the image page (like the example above)
- Look for the download button
- Choose the largest/highest resolution version available
- Save it to your device
That’s it! No complicated licensing hoops or need to pay for them. NASA imagery is generally public domain (with a few exceptions, so always double-check credits if noted).
How to Turn Your NASA Photo Into Wall Art
Once you’ve downloaded your image:
- Head to the Posterjack website
- Choose your product (more on that below)
- Upload your image
- Select your size and finish
- Place your order
We’ll take care of everything else from our Toronto workshop, where your print is expertly produced, hand-finished, carefully packaged, and shipped to you ready to hang on your wall.
The Best Print Option for NASA Photos
Hands down, an HD Metal Print is the way to go if you want real impact on your wall.
NASA images are full of deep blacks and high contrast, which makes them a perfect match for HD Metal. The finish brings out details in a way that feels almost otherworldly.
Why it works so well:
- Blacks look deeper and more intense
- Colours stand out sharply against the dark space backgrounds
- The high gloss finish adds depth and dimension
- The image takes on a subtle, almost backlit effect
Earthrise and Moon surface photos printed on HD Metal don’t just hang on your wall, they practically glow.
Other Great Print Options
Canvas Prints
A softer, more artistic look
- Reduces glare
- Adds texture
- Great for a more subtle, gallery-style feel
Perfect if you want space imagery to blend into a cozy or natural aesthetic.
Framed Prints
Clean, classic, and versatile
- Works in almost any room
- Adds structure and polish
- Easy to match with existing decor
What Size Should You Choose?
This comes down to your space and how bold you want to go. Two popular options include:
- 16" x 24” is a popular, balanced choice for most walls
- 32" x 48” is a true statement piece (highly recommended for space imagery)
If you’ve got the wall space, go big. These images deserve it.
Don’t Stop at Wall Art
NASA images aren’t just for walls, you can get creative with how you use them.
Photo Books
Create your own space-themed collection
- Combine multiple NASA images
- Include NASA’s original descriptions alongside each photo
- Tell a visual story of space exploration
Photo Mugs
A fun, everyday option
- Start your morning with a view of the Moon
- Great as a unique gift
NASA Photos + Posterjack Prints
NASA has already done the hard part, capturing some of the most breathtaking imagery in human history.
All that’s left is deciding how you want to bring it into your space.
If you want something that stops people in their tracks, go with a large HD Metal Print. The combination of space imagery and that glossy finish is hard to beat.
Download your favourite image, upload it, and turn a moment from space into something you get to see every day.
