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The four astronauts broke record set in 1970 by Apollo 13 as they flew 248,655 miles from the planet.
Published On 6 Apr 2026
NASA’s Artemis II mission has broken the record for the furthest human travel from earth.
The four astronauts aboard the spacecraft surpassed the record distance of 248,655 miles (400,171 kilometers) on Monday at 15:58 GMT. The record was set by Apollo 13 in April 1970.
The mission, which is travelling around the far-side of the moon, is due to reach its maximum distance of roughly 252,760 miles fromearth at 2307 GMT.
The mission will journey around the moon for a monumental flyby, during which the crew will spend more than six hours analysing and documenting lunar surface features. The Orion capsule will then head back to earth in a so-called “free-return trajectory,” a return-trip that will take about four days.
The astronauts began their landmark day with a message from the late Jim Lovell, who took part in the Apollo 8 and 13 missions and recorded the message shortly before his death.
“It’s a historic day, and I know how busy you’ll be, but don’t forget to enjoy the view,” said Lovell.
“Welcome to my old neighbourhood. I’m proud to pass that torch on to you as you swing around the moon.”
More to come…