Historic flight around the Moon: Astronauts without contact with Earth for 40 minutes, returning April 10th

(Patria) - After reaching a record distance of 406,771 kilometers from Earth, orbiting the Moon, and witnessing sights like a solar eclipse, the astronauts of the Artemis II mission have completed their flyby and are now returning home. Their return is expected in four days. Landing in the Pacific Ocean off the west coast of the USA is scheduled for the evening of April 10th US time, or early morning of April 11th British time.

During Monday night, the four-person crew spoke with Donald Trump, who called them "pioneers of the modern era." NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman then stated that the astronauts "represent the best of us."

In his message to the crew, he said: "Here on Earth, billions of people are eagerly awaiting the images you have captured. On behalf of NASA and people all over the world who love space, thank you for taking us with you to the Moon. Thank you for your courage, for all your wonderful words that we have heard. You truly represent the best of us. We are proud of you and look forward to welcoming you back to our good Earth very soon and safely. Good luck and onward, Artemis II."

According to the plan, the crew lost contact with Earth for 40 minutes as the spacecraft passed behind the Moon.

After re-establishing communication, astronaut Christina Koch said: "It's wonderful to hear Earth again." Shortly after, the spacecraft descended to just a few thousand kilometers from the Moon's surface, and the crew witnessed a total solar eclipse, a sight seen for the first time from the Moon's perspective, writes the BBC.

The Artemis II mission spacecraft, Orion, broke the record for human travel distance from Earth on Monday, surpassing the 1970 Apollo 13 mission's achievement of 400,000 kilometers. Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen respectfully acknowledged this accomplishment.