Here's what will happen with Artemis II after Friday's splashdown off San Diego coast

CBS News
April 10, 2026
2 min read

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The Artemis II mission is scheduled to splashdown near San Diego on Friday evening.

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The Artemis II mission is scheduled to splashdown near San Diego Friday evening. This event marks the completion of the mission's journey, which is a crucial step in NASA's broader Artemis program to return humans to the Moon. Following the splashdown, CBS News reporter Jared Ochacher will provide further details on what happens next for the mission. The successful recovery and subsequent analysis of the spacecraft are vital for preparing for future crewed lunar missions.

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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

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 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 Returns from Lunar Flyby

The Artemis II crew has successfully completed its historic lunar flyby, traveling farther from Earth than any human before. Astronauts are now returning to Earth, sharing new images from the far side of the Moon and making a long-distance call to the International Space Station.

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 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 Completion

The Artemis II crew, comprising four astronauts, is nearing the completion of its lunar flyby mission and is preparing to return to Earth. NASA officials are providing updates on the mission's progress, which has seen the crew travel farther into space than any human in decades.

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