'It's a special thing to be on Planet Earth': Artemis crew welcomed home in Houston

BBC News
April 11, 2026
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The Artemis crew returned to Houston after a nine-day voyage around the Moon, completing a historic space mission.

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The four astronauts of the Artemis crew were welcomed home in Houston after completing a nine-day voyage around the Moon. This mission took them further from Earth than any humans in history, marking a significant milestone in space exploration. The crew's return signifies the successful completion of a groundbreaking journey.

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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 Crew Returns After Successful Moon Mission

The Artemis II crew successfully completed their nine-day voyage around the Moon, marking a significant milestone in human space exploration. The four astronauts returned to Earth with a safe splashdown in the Pacific Ocean, receiving a jubilant welcome in Houston.

Artemis II Astronauts Return Home After Moon Mission

The Artemis II crew successfully returned to Earth after a nine-day voyage around the Moon, splashing down in the Pacific Ocean. Their record-breaking mission, which took them further than any human has traveled in over 50 years, marks a significant milestone in renewed space exploration efforts, although concerns about potential NASA budget cuts loom.

Artemis II Astronauts Return from Moon Mission

The Artemis II astronauts have successfully returned to Earth after a record-breaking nine-day voyage around the Moon. Their safe splashdown in the Pacific Ocean marks a significant milestone for NASA's lunar exploration program, though the future of the program faces potential budget cuts.

Artemis II Crew Returns to Earth

The Artemis II crew has successfully returned to Earth after a record-breaking nine-day voyage around the Moon, splashing down in the Pacific Ocean. The four astronauts were welcomed home in Houston to widespread cheers, marking a significant milestone in NASA's lunar exploration program and renewing focus on the space race with China.

Global Power Shifts

Tracking the changing dynamics of global power, including US-China competition, Russia's geopolitical moves, shifting alliances, NATO developments, and the emergence of new power blocs reshaping the international order.

Artemis II Crew Returns After Successful Moon Mission

The Artemis II crew has successfully completed its record-breaking nine-day voyage around the Moon, culminating in a splashdown in San Diego. The astronauts were welcomed home in Houston to cheers, marking a significant milestone in space exploration and reigniting discussions about the space race with China.

Artemis II Crew Returns to Earth

The Artemis II crew successfully completed their mission, returning to Earth with a splashdown in San Diego, witnessed by many. The astronauts, who completed a record-breaking trip around the Moon, were welcomed home in Houston, marking a significant milestone in the renewed space race.

Artemis II Crew Returns After Moon Mission

The Artemis II crew successfully completed their record-breaking voyage around the Moon, splashing down in San Diego. The astronauts were welcomed home in Houston, marking a significant milestone in space exploration and highlighting the renewed space race.

Artemis II Crew Returns Home After Successful Moon Mission

The Artemis II crew successfully completed their nine-day voyage around the Moon, splashing down in San Diego to cheers and nationwide attention. The mission marks a significant milestone in human space exploration and has reignited discussions about the ongoing space race with China.

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.

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