Artemis II Successfully Observes Far Side of Moon on Record-Breaking Voyage

Artemis II has successfully broken the record for the longest space voyage in human history while achieving direct visual observation of the Moon's far side. Communication was lost for approximately 40 minutes as it passed behind the Moon, during which time the crew confirmed the entire 930 km-wide Orientale Basin.

Artemis II traveled up to 406,771 kilometers from Earth, extending the record for the longest manned space flight by 6,600 kilometers.

Artemis II is currently returning by using the Moon's gravity to increase its speed before entering Earth's gravitational pull. The crew will board a capsule that separates above Earth and is expected to splash down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego, California, at 9 a.m. on the 11th.