The four astronauts on the first manned Moon mission in more than 50 years reached 252,756 miles (406,771 kilometres) from Earth. The record was achieved during a seven-hour lunar flyby which included a 40-minute communication blackout as they passed around the far side of the Moon from Earth. Apollo 13’s previous record was 248,655 miles (400,171 kilometres) from Earth in April 1970. “This mission isn’t over until they’re under safe parachutes, splashing down into the Pacific.”Artemis II has reached its maximum distance from Earth. The last time Nasa sent astronauts to the Moon was as part of the Apollo 17 mission in 1972.

Source: The Times April 07, 2026 01:22 UTC