The numbers
The Artemis II mission has launched four astronauts on a groundbreaking journey around the moon. As of April 4, 2026, the Orion spacecraft is more than 160,000 miles from Earth and less than 120,000 miles from the moon, having just passed the halfway point of their voyage.
The crew, which includes NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen, is engaged in a series of critical tasks during their mission. They have practiced CPR in space and tested medical equipment from the Orion medical kit, ensuring they are prepared for any situation that may arise during their historic journey.
On April 6, 2026, the crew will conduct a lunar flyby, flying 4,066 miles away from the Moon at its closest approach. This mission is particularly significant as it is expected to surpass the Apollo 13 distance record by 4,102 miles, marking a new milestone in human space exploration.
During their flyby, the astronauts will experience a communications blackout when Orion passes behind the Moon, a moment that adds an element of suspense to their journey. However, they will also have the unique opportunity to observe a solar eclipse from space, a breathtaking sight that few have witnessed.
As the mission progresses, the Orion Artemis II Optical Communications System has already surpassed 100 gigabytes of data downlinked, showcasing advancements in space communication technology. The astronauts are currently on a ‘free-return’ trajectory, utilizing the Moon’s gravity to return to Earth without propulsion, a testament to the careful planning that has gone into this mission.
Reid Wiseman expressed his excitement, stating, “It was really great to wake up this morning and look out the window and see the full moon off the front of the vehicle.” Christina Koch added, “We can see the Moon out of the docking hatch right now, it is a beautiful sight.” These sentiments reflect the awe and wonder that accompany such a monumental journey.
As they continue their voyage, Mission Control reminded the crew, “You are now closer to the moon than you are to us on Earth,” emphasizing the incredible distance they have traveled. NASA succinctly noted, “We’re halfway there,” marking a significant achievement in their mission timeline.
With the Artemis II mission, NASA is not only paving the way for future lunar exploration but also inspiring a new generation of scientists and explorers. As the crew prepares for their upcoming flyby, the world watches with anticipation, eager to see what this historic mission will reveal.
