Artemis II is expected to travel about 250,000 miles from Earth at its farthest point, with some estimates placing the maximum distance in the 230,000–280,000 mile range depending on launch timing. NASA also says the crew will fly about 4,000–6,000 miles above the Moon’s far side during the lunar flyby.

Quick Scoop

  • Farthest from Earth: about 250,000 miles.
  • Range by launch date: roughly 230,000–280,000 miles.
  • Closest Earth orbit early in the mission: about 71,656 km (44,525 miles) apogee before heading to the Moon.

What that means

Artemis II will not land on the Moon; it will loop around it and return to Earth. The mission’s distance from Earth changes during the flight, so the “how far” answer depends on whether you mean the maximum distance or the closest early Earth orbit.

Bottom line

If you want one simple number, use about 250,000 miles from Earth.