Artemis II Crew Sets New Moon Distance Record, Honors Late Commander’s Wife
Artemis II has flown farther from Earth than any human mission in over 50 years. On April 6, 2026, at 1:57 p.m. EDT, the Orion spacecraft Integrity surpassed Apollo 13’s record by reaching 252,756 miles from home. The Moon’s disc grew larger in the windows as the crew prepared to observe its far side. A stunning image captured the boundary between the near and far hemispheres, showcasing the 600-mile-wide Orientale Basin. At about 4,067 miles above the surface, the astronauts watched an “Earthset” that mirrored Apollo 8’s iconic Earthrise. This moment offered a profound view of both worlds. In a heartfelt gesture, the crew proposed naming a newly identified feature “Carroll” in honor of Commander Reid Wiseman’s late wife, Carroll Taylor Wiseman. Positioned on the edge of both hemispheres, the crater will be visible from Earth during certain lunar transits. Now on its four-day free-return journey, Orion will use the Moon’s gravity to sling back toward Earth. The mission is set to conclude with a Pacific Ocean splashdown on April 10. Photo Credit: NASA
Use The App To Win ₦1m
Stories are shared by community members. This article does not represent the official view of NaijaWorld — the author is solely responsible for its content.