The crew of NASA's Apollo 13 mission has travelled the farthest distance from Earth.
Details of Apollo 13's Journey
During their ill-fated mission in April 1970, the Apollo 13 astronauts swung around the far side of the Moon. At their closest approach to the Moon, they were approximately 158 miles (254 kilometers) above the lunar surface. This trajectory placed them at a distance of 248,655 miles (400,171 kilometers) away from Earth. This remains the furthest any human has ever ventured from our planet.
Significance of the Distance
The Apollo 13 mission serves as a remarkable example of human exploration and resilience. Despite facing a critical malfunction in space, the crew's journey to the Moon's far side established a record for the greatest distance traveled from Earth, a record that stands to this day. This accomplishment underscores the ambition and capability of human space exploration.