How will NASA get the Artemis II crew safely back on Earth? Here's the science behind splashdown

PBS NewsHour
by Marcos Fernandez Tous, The Conversation
April 10, 2026
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2 min read

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NASA is detailing the science behind the Artemis II crew's safe return to Earth via splashdown.

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NASA is detailing the science behind how the Artemis II crew will safely return to Earth via splashdown. This process involves the spacecraft hurtling through the atmosphere at supersonic speeds and reaching temperatures in the thousands of degrees. Despite these extreme conditions, NASA has successfully executed splashdowns for decades. This method is critical for the safe recovery of astronauts after their mission.

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