Actions

Artemis II mission regains contact after passing around the far side of the moon

During this phase of the mission, the spacecraft reached its closest point relative to the lunar surface, as well as its furthest point from Earth's surface.

It’s a historic moment for the crew of NASA’s Artemis II mission, who have now traveled farther from Earth than any humans in history as they continue toward a planned lunar flyby. (Scripps News)

Artemis II crew breaks Apollo 13's distance record

By: Scripps News Group

Posted

and last updated

Ground controllers have reestablished radio contact with the four astronauts of the Artemis II lunar mission as their spacecraft reemerges from behind the far side of the moon.

"It is so great to hear from Earth again," mission specialist Christina Koch said.

The loss of signal began at roughly 6:45 Eastern Time and lasted roughly 40 minutes.

WATCH LIVE COVERAGE OF THE MISSION FROM NASA

During this phase of the mission, the spacecraft reached its closest point relative to the lunar surface (about 4,067 miles), and is expected to reach its furthest point from Earth's surface (about 252,760 miles).

Earlier on Monday the four astronauts surpassed the previous distance record set by the Apollo 13 crew in 1970, when they traveled about 248,655 miles from Earth.

The crew continued their observations and recordings of the lunar surface, capturing photos and videos and taking notes as they study parts of the moon that have never been seen before. They also witnessed an "Earthset" and an "Earthrise" as the moon temporarily blocked their view of Earth.

The spacecraft's internal lights were turned off so the crew could more easily see details on the relatively dim lunar surface. The astronauts have been issued cameras with zoom lenses to get a closer view of their target, and are recording voice notes as they make their observations.

The crew is working in shifts, spending time observing a list of prepared targets at the spacecraft windows and communicating regular updates to ground control. The observations and notes the astronauts make will be crucial for matching up to recorded data once the flyby is complete.

The crew is also expected to witness a solar eclipse as the moon passes between Orion and the sun.

The mission marks a major step forward in NASA’s efforts to return humans to deep space and eventually land astronauts on the lunar surface for the first time in more than 50 years.