Artemis II Crew Reaches Farthest Distance from Earth During Lunar Flyby

The Artemis II crew makes historic observations of the Moon and solar eclipse during their closest approach.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 2:56pm

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A bold, abstract painting in soft, earthy tones of blue, green, and gold, depicting the Artemis II spacecraft's trajectory around the Moon with sweeping geometric arcs, concentric planetary circles, and precise spirals, conveying the structural order and grandeur of the mission.The Artemis II spacecraft's historic lunar flyby marks a significant step forward in humanity's return to the Moon, capturing the imagination of people around the world.Houston Today

The Artemis II crew, consisting of NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, along with CSA astronaut Jeremy Hansen, are preparing for a historic lunar flyby on Flight Day 6 of their mission. The crew will surpass the record for the farthest distance from Earth traveled by humans, set by the Apollo 13 crew in 1970, and will make detailed observations of the lunar surface and witness a solar eclipse during their closest approach to the Moon.

Why it matters

The Artemis II mission marks the first time humans have traveled to the Moon since the Apollo 17 mission in 1972. This flyby will provide valuable scientific data and insights that will inform future Artemis missions, which aim to establish a sustainable human presence on and around the Moon, and eventually enable crewed missions to Mars.

The details

The Artemis II crew will begin their lunar observation at around 2:45 p.m. EDT, when their Orion spacecraft will be close enough to the Moon for them to make detailed observations of the lunar surface. The spacecraft will reach its closest approach of 4,070 miles above the lunar surface at around 7:02 p.m. EDT. During this time, the crew will also witness a solar eclipse, as the Moon passes between the Sun and the Orion spacecraft, allowing them to analyze the solar corona.

  • At 12:37 a.m. EDT, Orion entered the lunar sphere of influence, where the Moon's gravity had a stronger pull on the spacecraft than Earth's.
  • At around 1:56 p.m. EDT, the Artemis II crew is expected to surpass the record for the farthest distance from Earth traveled by humans, set by the Apollo 13 crew in 1970.
  • At 2:45 p.m. EDT, the lunar observation period begins.
  • At 6:44 p.m. EDT, the Orion spacecraft will pass behind the Moon, temporarily losing communication with mission control.
  • At 7:02 p.m. EDT, Orion will reach its closest approach to the Moon, at 4,070 miles above the surface.

The players

Reid Wiseman

NASA astronaut and Artemis II crew member.

Victor Glover

NASA astronaut and Artemis II crew member.

Christina Koch

NASA astronaut and Artemis II crew member.

Jeremy Hansen

CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut and Artemis II crew member.

Jim Lovell

Gemini VII, Gemini XII, Apollo 8, and Apollo 13 astronaut who recorded a special message for the Artemis II crew.

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What they’re saying

“We are now falling to the Moon rather than rising away from Earth. It is an amazing milestone!”

— Christina Koch, Artemis II Mission Specialist

“Hello, Artemis II! This is Apollo astronaut Jim Lovell. Welcome to my old neighborhood! When Frank Borman, Bill Anders, and I orbited the Moon on Apollo 8, we got humanity's first up-close look at the Moon and got a view of the home planet that inspired and united people around the world. I'm proud to pass that torch on to you — as you swing around the Moon and lay the groundwork for missions to Mars … for the benefit of all. It's a historic day, and I know how busy you'll be. But don't forget to enjoy the view. So, Reid, Victor, Christina, and Jeremy, and all the great teams supporting you – good luck and Godspeed from all of us here on the good Earth.”

— Jim Lovell, Gemini VII, Gemini XII, Apollo 8, and Apollo 13 Astronaut

What’s next

After the lunar flyby, the Artemis II crew will begin their journey back to Earth, with a planned splashdown in the Pacific Ocean on April 12, 2026.

The takeaway

The Artemis II mission represents a significant milestone in humanity's return to the Moon, providing valuable scientific data and paving the way for future Artemis missions that aim to establish a sustainable human presence on and around the lunar surface. The crew's historic observations and experiences during the lunar flyby will inspire and unite people around the world, much like the Apollo 8 mission did over 50 years ago.