Washington: Astronauts aboard Artemis II have achieved a historic milestone after completing the farthest human journey around the Moon, surpassing records set more than five decades ago.
The crew, representing NASA and Canadian Space Agency, travelled beyond the lunar far side before beginning their return to Earth on Monday night. The mission marks humanity’s closest return to the Moon since the Apollo program era.
During a critical seven-hour phase, the spacecraft moved into a trajectory that allowed astronauts to observe regions of the Moon rarely seen at such proximity. In doing so, the mission exceeded the distance record set by Apollo 13, which had long held the benchmark for human spaceflight around the Moon.
Among the crew, Jeremy Hansen described the experience as “thrilling,” highlighting the rare view of the lunar surface visible even without instruments. The mission includes three American astronauts and one Canadian, reflecting growing international collaboration in space exploration.
The team also proposed names for newly observed lunar craters, suggesting “Integrity,” inspired by their spacecraft, and “Carol,” in a personal tribute by mission commander Reid Wiseman. The moment turned emotional as Wiseman reflected on the dedication.
Astronauts reported capturing a rare image featuring both Earth and the Moon in a single frame, while continuing to relay scientific observations back to mission control in Houston. Pilot Victor Glover noted that parts of the Moon’s terrain appeared strikingly bright, resembling snow-covered peaks.
The mission is a crucial step in NASA’s broader plans to return humans to the lunar surface, with a targeted landing near the Moon’s south pole expected within the next two years.
