How far from Earth did Artemis II travel at its greatest distance?

Artemis II reached a maximum distance of 252,756 miles from Earth.

The distance was achieved during the mission’s trip around the Moon and set a record for the greatest distance humans had traveled from Earth. Artemis II surpassed the previous human-distance record held by Apollo 13, which reached 248,655 miles in 1970.

The figure is a maximum distance from Earth, not the average distance between Earth and the Moon. The Moon’s average distance is about 238,855 miles, but its orbit is elliptical, so the exact distance varies. Artemis II went beyond the lunar orbit distance during its trajectory, which is why its record exceeded the Apollo 13 figure.

The mission was part of NASA’s Artemis program and carried four crew members. Its achievements were highlighted during the United States semiquincentennial in 2026, when the mission’s lunar journey represented a modern example of American scientific and technological capability.