A look at the risks as Artemis II crew prepares to splash down in the Pacific

CBS News
April 10, 2026
2 min read

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The Artemis II crew prepares for splashdown in the Pacific after their moon journey.

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The Artemis II crew is preparing for splashdown in the Pacific Ocean on Friday, concluding their journey around the far side of the moon. This event marks the return of the four astronauts after a history-making mission. Mark Strassmann is explaining the inherent risks associated with the crew's re-entry into Earth's atmosphere. The successful splashdown is a critical final step for the mission, bringing the astronauts home after their lunar orbit.

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Artemis II Mission Nears Completion

The four NASA Artemis II astronauts are preparing for a 'fireball' re-entry to Earth, concluding their historic moon mission. The crew has been engaging with the public, answering questions from space, and continuing the Apollo tradition of naming lunar features after loved ones.

Artemis II Mission Nears Earth Return

NASA's Artemis II mission is concluding its historic journey, with the crew preparing for a 'fireball' re-entry to Earth. Astronauts are reflecting on their experiences and continuing the Apollo tradition of naming lunar features after loved ones.

Artemis II Mission Nears Earth Return

The Artemis II mission is in its final stretch, with the crew preparing for splashdown near San Diego. NASA expresses confidence in the spacecraft's heat shield for reentry, while the crew acknowledges the critical nature of this phase after their historic lunar voyage.

Artemis II Mission Nears Earth Return

The Artemis II mission is concluding its historic journey, with the crew preparing for splashdown off the San Diego coast. NASA has expressed confidence in the spacecraft's heat shield for a safe reentry, despite a helium leak requiring a redesign for future missions. The astronauts described their lunar voyage as profound.

Artemis II Mission Return to Earth

The Artemis II astronauts are returning to Earth after a historic lunar mission, preparing for splashdown in the Pacific. Concerns about the spacecraft's heat shield and communication blackouts during reentry are being addressed by NASA.

Artemis II Mission Nears Completion with Pacific Splashdown

NASA's Artemis II mission is concluding its historic lunar journey with a planned splashdown in the Pacific Ocean. The crew, after orbiting the moon, is preparing for re-entry, marking a significant milestone in the agency's lunar comeback.

Artemis II Mission Nears Completion with Pacific Splashdown

NASA's Artemis II mission is concluding its historic lunar journey with the Orion spacecraft preparing for a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean. This event marks a critical step in NASA's program to re-establish human presence on the moon, with the crew returning after a successful mission.

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