Here's what will happen with Artemis II after Friday's splashdown off San Diego coast
Quick Insights
The Bottom Line
The Artemis II mission is scheduled to splashdown near San Diego on Friday evening.
AI Summary
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.
Source Coverage Map
6 of 43 tracked sources covered this story
Following this story?
Get notified when new coverage appears
Other Sources Covering This Story
5 sourcesMultiple outlets have reported on this story. Compare perspectives from different sources.

Artemis II's grand moon finale is almost here with a Pacific splashdown to cap NASA's lunar comeback - AP News

Artemis II astronauts hurtle home from Moon toward Pacific splashdown
This article is part of a story we're tracking:
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.
Should this be getting more attention?
You Might Have Missed
Related stories from different sources and perspectives
TechnologyWhat new images of the moon tell NASA
The Artemis II astronauts are testing out some systems inside the capsule ahead of their planned splashdown off the coast of San Diego on Friday. CBS News' Mark Strassmann has more from the Johnson Space Center in Houston.
EnvironmentAs waterfront homeowners stock up on sand, those living near sand excavation sites pay the price - AP News
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMipwFBVV95cUxPQ1M1d1FUZkNNMDFZWDI3YkIzcG9Ha2I0cHJ4NG8ycVExMUU3ZjlRNHhQaXM0MHBDQjI4VHdQQ2ZxRmdXMVBZU3c4aHhDZk4tQ2FUM2dhdGZLQVV6VXNxeEo0LTM3dDMzdnJEVHZBZlRUUTVCMmlhVjNNTG82QXFmZ0tDSjlYZVNUOXZXM1Y2bXAxbHI3RURYbXhnaGxhekpZSnBPRmJ6OA?oc=5" target="_blank">As waterfront homeowners stock up on sand, those living near sand excavation sites pay the price</a> <font color="#6f6f6f">AP News</font>
TechnologyNASA's Artemis II: conspiracy theories take off about ‘staged’ green screen
NASA’s Artemis II is set to return to Earth on Friday, after its astronauts travelled further from Earth than any humans before. But the historic lunar flyby also inflamed conspiracy theories online about a “staged” mission, and triggered a wave of fake viral AI videos.
CorporateThousands of electric vehicles recalled in Australia due to battery fire risk
<p>Hyundai issues local recall due to a fault with its battery management software that could cause a fire while the car is recharging or parked</p><p>Thousands of Australian drivers will be asked to check their electric vehicle batteries as part of a global recall involving more than 100,000 cars.</p><p>Hyundai issued a local recall for almost 5,000 vehicles on Friday due to a fault with its battery management software that could cause a fire while the car is recharging or while it is parked.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/apr/10/ev-electric-vehicle-recall-australia-battery-fire-risk">Continue reading...</a>
TechnologyWith Orion still flying, NASA is nearing key decisions about Artemis III
TechnologyArtemis II astronauts channel Apollo 8 with a striking Earthset photo - AP News
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMingFBVV95cUxQNUtSZkdrREVlbkpZekdrcmNHMEhub011UnlaRi1iVmZ4YlBQelo2azlNUkxXam9CRlVzQ1l5eG92YjJjelFMN2tBRm9NWGJSRVYza0pjWFZRb0JfZlQtTjRLTXZHQ3BuNk1mSXZ0UDBYVUdfZmVVdEdkUThCRk1OMS1PYzZuZzhmR0JrazhfUy1BSTZpSkR3YkthWFZHZw?oc=5" target="_blank">Artemis II astronauts channel Apollo 8 with a striking Earthset photo</a> <font color="#6f6f6f">AP News</font>

First man convicted under Take It Down Act kept making AI nudes after arrest
Did this story change how you see things?
Stories like this only matter when people see them. Help us get verified journalism in front of more eyes.
The Verity Ledger curates verified investigative journalism from trusted sources only.
See our sourcesMost Read This Week
Over-the-counter medication abortion? These researchers say it would be safe

Supreme Court returns state-secrets privilege case to lower court

US Democratic lawmakers visit Cuba, call on Trump to "bring the rhetoric down" - Reuters

She paid into Medicare for years. Trump's immigration policy will end her coverage

Iran live updates: IRGC says Strait of Hormuz will 'never' revert to pre-war state




