Artemis II Astronauts Aim to Break Apollo 13 Distance Record During Lunar Flyby

Sat Sep 05 2026 14:45:53 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

As the Artemis II mission reaches new milestones, astronauts are set to make history by surpassing the distance travelled by Apollo 13, promising breathtaking views of the moon.

The Artemis II mission is not only set to break the historic distance record previously held by Apollo 13 but also allows astronauts to witness the moon from a unique perspective during their lunar flyby. Commander Reid Wiseman and his crew are focused on lunar observations, marking significant steps toward future moon landings. With their sights set on notable lunar features, such as the Orientale Basin, the crew is poised to capture thousands of images, making significant contributions to lunar science and exploration.

HOUSTON (AP) — The Artemis II astronauts are racing toward a historic lunar flyby, aiming to set a new distance record from Earth. This mission promises a stunning view of the far side of the moon, a sight never before seen by the human eye.

The mission is a highlight of NASA’s first return to the moon since the Apollo era, featuring three American astronauts and one from Canada — a crucial step towards landing near the moon's south pole within two years.

As the three crew members prepare for their remarkable journey, the mission is expected to exceed Apollo 13's distance record of 248,655 miles (400,171 kilometers) by over 4,100 miles (6,600 kilometers).

Utilizing a free-return lunar trajectory, similar to the Apollo 13 mission, the Artemis II crew will not stop to land; instead, they will take advantage of the gravitational forces of both Earth and the moon to assist their return journey.

The crew, including Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen from Canada, are projected to come within 4,070 miles (6,550 kilometers) of the moon as they whip past it, perform scientific observations, and prepare for their eventual splashdown in the Pacific.

During their journey, they anticipate photographing notable lunar sites, including the Orientale Basin and previous Apollo landing locations, which contribute to both lunar science and an understanding of potential future exploration sites.

These moments allow the crew to capture thousands of photographs while deepening the connection people have with the moon, as highlighted by NASA geologist Kelsey Young.

As they embark on this historic journey, the crew aims to highlight the beauty of creation against the backdrop of our universe, advocating unity and collective advancement in scientific exploration.