Artemis II crew is headed home. What to know.

CBS News
April 10, 2026
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The Artemis II crew is returning to Earth after a successful mission to the moon.

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The Artemis II crew is returning to Earth following a successful mission to the moon. This marks a critical step in NASA's program to re-establish human presence on the lunar surface. The mission served as a test flight for the Orion spacecraft and its systems, paving the way for future lunar landings. CBS News' Mark Strassmann reported on the crew's return.

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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 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.

Artemis II Mission Returns to Earth

The Artemis II crew has successfully completed its historic journey around the far side of the moon and is now returning to Earth. Astronauts have shared new images and even made a long-distance call to the International Space Station.

Artemis II Mission Nears Earth Splashdown

The Artemis II crew is on its way back to Earth after a historic lunar mission, preparing for a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean off Southern California. The mission's conclusion marks a critical step in NASA's program to re-establish human presence on the moon. The return involves a fiery, 14-minute reentry, with recovery operations broadcast live.

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 Returns to Earth

The Artemis II crew successfully completed its historic trip around the far side of the moon, traveling farther from Earth than any human before. The astronauts are now safely returning, sharing new images and perspectives from their groundbreaking mission.

Artemis II Mission Nears Earth Splashdown

NASA's Artemis II mission is concluding its historic journey, with the Orion spacecraft and its four astronauts preparing for a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean. The crew's return marks a critical step in NASA's human exploration program, with preparations underway for the fiery reentry and recovery.

Artemis II Mission Nears Earth Splashdown

NASA's Artemis II crew is returning to Earth for a splashdown landing in the Pacific Ocean, marking the conclusion of their historic moon mission. Preparations are underway for the fiery reentry and safe recovery of the four astronauts.

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