Artemis II astronauts swung by the moon, broke an Apollo record, and saw an eclipse
NPR • • science
Key Points:
- NASA's Artemis II crew is returning to Earth after traveling 252,756 miles around the moon, breaking the Apollo 13 record for the farthest human journey from Earth by 4,111 miles.
- During a 40-minute communication blackout behind the moon, the Orion capsule reached its closest lunar approach at about 4,067 miles above the surface and its maximum distance from Earth.
- The astronauts conducted geological observations of approximately 35 lunar sites, capturing thousands of photos and relaying real-time insights to scientists, aiding future robotic and human missions to the moon.
- The mission included studying a solar eclipse and dedicating an unnamed lunar crater to the late wife of commander Reid Wiseman, honoring her memory.
- As Artemis II returns, the crew will continue testing Orion’s systems, including radiation shielding and manual flight controls, culminating in a high-speed reentry and splashdown in the Pacific Ocean on Friday.
 { path { fill: %23EEEFE9 } })
