2 hours ago - Science

Artemis II just set a new distance-from-Earth record

Alex Fitzpatrick

The Moon as seen from Artemis II as it enters the lunar sphere of influence. Photo: NASA

Artemis II's four astronauts have officially gone where no one has gone before, setting on Monday a new distance-from-Earth record for human spaceflight.

Why it matters: Artemis II broke Apollo 13's 248,655-mile record, set over 55 years ago on that ill-fated ship's emergency flight home.

Upon crossing that mark, Artemis II mission commander Reid Wiseman named a lunar crater "Carroll," after his wife who passed away from cancer in 2020.

Driving the news: The lunar quartet has further to go yet.

They'll reach their maximum distance (252,760 miles) just after 7 p.m. ET tonight.

What's next: The crew is starting their seven-hour lunar orbit and observation period this afternoon. (Watch live.)

At 6:44 p.m. ET, the crew will enter an expected 40-minute radio blackout on the dark side of the Moon.
They will later witness a solar eclipse, with the Moon blocking the Sun from their perspective.

Also planned: A chance to shoot a new version of "Earthrise" — perhaps the Apollo era's most famous photo not taken on the Moon itself.

What they're saying: Apollo 8 and 13's Jim Lovell, in a message to the Artemis II crew recorded before his 2015 death: "Welcome to my old neighborhood!"

"It's a historic day and I know how busy you'll be, but don't forget to enjoy the view."

Go deeper... PHOTO: See Earth from Artemis II's POV

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Artemis II just set a new distance-from-Earth record

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