This week, the crew of Artemis II, consisting of four astronauts, has surpassed the distance record previously held by Apollo 13, marking a historic achievement as they become the furthest humans from Earth. As they make their return journey, the astronauts have encountered various technical issues, witnessed unparalleled sights, and experienced profound emotional moments—all within a span of less than ten days. To delve into the remarkable highs and challenging lows of this mission, Madeleine Finlay speaks with Ian Sample, the science editor at the Guardian.

The Artemis II team shared their feelings of being “overwhelmed” as they journeyed past the moon, reflecting on their extraordinary experiences. For further insights, listeners are encouraged to support Guardian’s science coverage at theguardian.com/sciencepod.