The crew surpasses Apollo 13's record, marking a major milestone in NASA's return to the Moon
Category: Science
On April 6, 2026, the Artemis II astronauts made history by setting a new record for the farthest humans from Earth during a lunar flyby, surpassing the previous record held by Apollo 13. This milestone highlights NASA's return to lunar exploration and serves as a stepping stone toward future missions aimed at landing astronauts near the Moon's south pole.
The Artemis II crew, comprising three Americans—Reid Wiseman, Christina Koch, and Victor Glover—and one Canadian, Jeremy Hansen, began their monumental six-hour flyby with a clear goal: to break the distance record of 248,655 miles (400,171 kilometers) set by Apollo 13 in April 1970. Just before the crew embarked on their flyby, they achieved this remarkable feat, exceeding Apollo 13's record by over 4,100 miles (6,600 kilometers).
As they ventured farther from Earth, Wiseman shared his awe with Mission Control, stating, "It is blowing my mind what you can see with the naked eye from the moon right now. It is just unbelievable." This sentiment captures the excitement and significance of the mission as it aims to inspire future generations of explorers.
The crew's historic day began with a special message from Apollo 13 commander Jim Lovell, who recorded a wake-up call for the astronauts before his passing in 2015. Lovell welcomed them to his "old neighborhood," reminding them to enjoy the view as they embarked on their extraordinary adventure.
During the flyby, the astronauts proposed naming two newly observed lunar craters. One was named "Integrity," after their spacecraft, and the other, "Carroll," in honor of Reid Wiseman's late wife, who died of cancer in 2020. This emotional moment saw Wiseman weeping as Hansen made the request to Mission Control, emphasizing the personal connections that space exploration can evoke.
The Artemis II mission employs a free-return lunar flight path, similar to the one used by Apollo 13 after its oxygen tank explosion forced the crew to abort their moon landing. This maneuver takes advantage of the gravitational forces of both Earth and the Moon, ensuring a safe return without the need for additional fuel. As they approached the Moon, the astronauts were expected to come within 4,070 miles (6,550 kilometers) of its surface, reaching an impressive speed of 3,139 mph (5,052 kph).
As they orbited the Moon, the crew planned to conduct extensive observations, with their sights set on several key targets, including the Orientale Basin—an expansive impact site with three concentric rings—and the Apollo 12 and 14 landing sites from 1969 and 1971, respectively. NASA geologist Kelsey Young noted the importance of these observations, stating, "People all over the world connect with the moon. This is something that every single person on this planet can understand and connect with."
In addition to their scientific objectives, the astronauts were also set to experience a solar eclipse as the Moon passed in front of the Sun, blocking its light from their perspective. This unique vantage point would allow them to capture a new version of the iconic "Earthrise" photograph, a moment famously immortalized during the Apollo missions.
The crew's maximum distance from Earth was anticipated to reach 252,760 miles just after 7 p.m. ET on April 6, 2026. This achievement sets a new record and reignites interest in lunar exploration, with plans for future missions already in the pipeline. Artemis III, scheduled for next year, aims to have astronauts practice docking with lunar landers in orbit around the Moon, paving the way for a landing on the lunar surface in 2028.
For Glover, flying to the Moon during Christianity's Holy Week was a poignant reminder of the beauty of creation. He remarked, "Earth is an oasis among a whole bunch of nothing, this thing we call the universe, where humanity exists as one." His reflections highlight the philosophical and existential dimensions of space travel, reminding us of our shared humanity.
The Artemis II mission stands as a historic chapter in NASA's lunar exploration efforts, rekindling the spirit of adventure that characterized the Apollo era. As the astronauts continue their observations and prepare for their return to Earth, their achievements will undoubtedly inspire future generations to reach for the stars.
With each passing moment, the Artemis II crew is not just making history; they are also laying the groundwork for humanity's next steps on the Moon and beyond. As they continue their mission, the world watches in anticipation, eager to witness the next great leap for mankind.