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Artemis II Returns: Historic Moon Mission Sets Distance Record

4/14/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Artemis II returned to Earth on April 11, 2026 after a historic journey around the Moon.
The Orion module splashed down in the Pacific Ocean at 5:07 PM local time.
The crew exited the capsule by 2:40 AM BST.
The mission reached about 252,760 miles from Earth, a record for the farthest distance traveled by humans.
U.S. President Donald Trump and Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney congratulated the crew.

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Story summary

Artemis II returned to Earth on April 11, 2026 after a historic journey around the Moon.
The Orion module splashed down in the Pacific Ocean at 5:07 PM local time.
The crew exited the capsule by 2:40 AM BST.
The mission reached about 252,760 miles from Earth, a record for the farthest distance traveled by humans.
U.S. President Donald Trump and Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney congratulated the crew.