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Introduction
The Artemis II mission timeline spanned 9 days, 1 hour, and 32 minutes. From liftoff at Kennedy Space Center to splashdown in the Pacific Ocean, the four astronauts traveled 1.12 million km, flew within 4,067 miles of the lunar surface, and set a new record for the farthest distance humans have ever traveled from Earth (252,756 miles). This Artemis II mission timeline guide provides a day‑by‑day breakdown of key events: launch, lunar orbit insertion, flyby, record‑setting distance, and reentry.
For a complete overview of the mission, read our main guide: Artemis II 2026: Historic Moon Mission .
For more on the crew, see our Artemis II crew profiles .
5. Main Content
H2: Day‑by‑Day Mission Timeline
| Day | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 (April 1) | Launch & Earth orbit | SLS rocket lifts off from Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center at 6:35 p.m. EDT. Orion separates from upper stage ~3.5 hours later. |
| Day 2 (April 2) | Trans‑lunar injection (TLI) | A powerful 18‑minute burn sends Orion out of Earth orbit toward the Moon. |
| Day 3 (April 3) | Trajectory corrections | Small burns fine‑tune the flight path. Crew conducts science experiments and tests life support. |
| Day 4 (April 4) | Lunar gravity assist | Orion enters the Moon‘s gravitational sphere of influence. |
| Day 5 (April 5) | Lunar orbit insertion | Main engine burn places Orion into a highly elliptical lunar orbit. |
| Day 6 (April 6) | Lunar flyby | Closest approach: 4,067 miles above the lunar surface. Crew takes high‑resolution photos. |
| Day 7 (April 7) | Lunar orbit departure | Engine burn sends Orion out of lunar orbit, beginning the return journey. |
| Day 8 (April 8) | Record distance | Orion reaches 252,756 miles from Earth – the farthest any human has ever traveled. |
| Day 9 (April 9) | Reentry preparation | Crew stows equipment and configures spacecraft for reentry. |
| Day 10 (April 10) | Splashdown | Orion reenters atmosphere at 25,000 mph, deploys parachutes, and splashes down off San Diego, California, at 8:07 p.m. PDT. |
Key Milestones in Detail
Launch (April 1, 6:35 p.m. EDT) – The SLS rocket produced 8.8 million pounds of thrust. The crew experienced about 3 Gs during ascent. About 3.5 hours after launch, the Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (ICPS) fired to send Orion toward the Moon.
Lunar Flyby (April 6) – At its closest approach, Orion flew 4,067 miles above the Moon’s surface. The crew used this opportunity to photograph the lunar far side and test navigation systems.
Farthest Distance (April 8) – Orion reached 252,756 miles from Earth, surpassing the previous record of 248,655 miles set by Apollo 13 in 1970. The crew held a live broadcast from this farthest point.
Splashdown (April 10, 8:07 p.m. PDT) – The Orion capsule reentered Earth‘s atmosphere at 25,000 mph (Mach 33). The heat shield withstood temperatures of 5,000°F. After drogue and main parachute deployment, the capsule splashed down gently. Recovery teams retrieved the crew within 30 minutes.
For more on the spacecraft, see our SLS & Orion spacecraft deep dive .
Comparison Table – Artemis II vs Apollo 13 Distance Record
| Mission | Farthest Distance from Earth | Year | Crewed? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apollo 13 | 248,655 miles | 1970 | Yes (aborted landing) |
| Artemis II | 252,756 miles | 2026 | Yes |
Artemis II now holds the record for the farthest distance humans have ever traveled from Earth.
Real‑World Applications of the Mission Timeline
- For mission planners: The timeline provides data for future Artemis missions, including Artemis III (landing) and Mars missions.
- For educators: The timeline helps teach students about spaceflight phases and orbital mechanics.
- For space enthusiasts: Following the timeline enhances appreciation of the mission‘s complexity.
- For historians: The timeline marks a new chapter in human space exploration.
FAQ Section
Q1: How long did the Artemis II mission last?
A: The mission lasted 9 days, 1 hour, and 32 minutes from launch to splashdown.
Q2: How close did Orion get to the Moon?
A: Orion flew within 4,067 miles of the lunar surface on April 6, 2026.
Q3: What was the farthest distance from Earth reached by Artemis II?
A: The crew reached 252,756 miles from Earth on April 8, 2026 – a new human spaceflight record.
Q4: Where did Artemis II splash down?
A: The capsule splashed down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego, California, on April 10, 2026.
Conclusion
The Artemis II mission timeline showcases a flawless 10‑day journey around the Moon. From launch to lunar flyby to record‑setting distance to splashdown, every milestone succeeded. This mission proved that NASA and its partners are ready for more ambitious deep‑space flights. As we look toward Artemis III and a permanent lunar base, the lessons from Artemis II will guide the way.
Next step: Return to our Artemis II 2026: Historic Moon Mission pillar post for a complete summary of the mission.
