On April 7, 2026, the crew set a new record for the farthest human spaceflight, surpassing the distance achieved during the Apollo 13 mission in 1970. During the lunar flyby, astronauts Reid Wiseman, Christina Koch, Jeremy Hansen, and Victor Glover captured stunning views of the Moon’s far side. The crew also witnessed a rare total solar eclipse during the journey, adding a remarkable moment to an already historic mission.

The mission continues to push the boundaries of human space exploration, with the Orion spacecraft reaching a maximum distance of approximately 406,900 kilometers from Earth. The astronauts are conducting key lunar observations, collecting valuable data that will support future missions to deep space.

Although communication with NASA was briefly lost during the flyby—a known challenge due to the spacecraft passing behind the Moon—contact has now been fully restored. This allows the crew to report on their health, systems, and mission progress as they continue their journey. The Artemis II mission marks a significant step forward in humanity’s return to deep space exploration.