Summary
NASA's Artemis II mission has set a new record for the furthest distance humans have traveled from Earth. Four astronauts on this mission surpassed the distance set by Apollo 13 in 1970 and will continue their journey around the moon before returning to Earth.
Key Facts
- The Artemis II mission is operated by NASA.
- Four astronauts are on board the mission.
- They broke Apollo 13's 1970 record by traveling further than 248,655 miles from Earth.
- The highest distance they will reach is about 252,760 miles from Earth.
- The mission includes a flyby around the far side of the moon.
- During the flyby, astronauts will analyze and document features on the lunar surface.
- The return trip to Earth will use a "free-return trajectory" and take about four days.
- A recorded message from astronaut Jim Lovell, involved in Apollo 8 and 13, was shared with the crew.
