Artemis II Crew Returns to Earth After Historic Moon Mission
The Artemis II crew successfully returned to Earth, splashing down safely in the Pacific Ocean after completing a historic lunar flyby. This mission, the first crewed journey around the Moon in over 50 years, marks a critical step in NASA's renewed efforts to return humans to the lunar surface.
Latest Developments
Kids, adults alike watch Artemis II crew's splashdown in San Diego
The Artemis II crew successfully completed their mission with a splashdown in San Diego, an event witnessed by both children and adults. CBS News reporter Jared Ochacher covered the splashdown, speaking with individuals who observed the event from the Fleet Science Center. This public viewing highlights widespread interest in the Artemis II mission, which marks a significant step in human space exploration. The crew's return to Earth in San Diego underscores the mission's successful completion and the public's engagement with NASA's lunar program.
Cheers welcome Artemis II astronauts home after record-breaking trip
The Artemis II astronauts were welcomed home at Ellington Field near NASA's Johnson Space Center after completing their record-breaking trip. The crew of four flew in from San Diego, where they had splashed down offshore the previous evening. This event marks the successful conclusion of a significant mission for NASA's Artemis program. The return of the astronauts to Mission Control signals a critical step in the ongoing efforts to return humans to the Moon.
Artemis II crew returns to Houston after successful mission
The Artemis II astronauts returned to Houston after successfully completing their mission. Their spacecraft splashed down off the coast of San Diego on Friday night, marking the end of their journey. This successful return signifies a major milestone for NASA's Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon. Retired Lieutenant Colonel David Mahan is discussing the mission's completion with CBS News.
Artemis II’s moon-traveling astronauts return home to cheers after a record-breaking trip - AP News
Artemis II’s moon-traveling astronauts have returned home to cheers following their record-breaking trip. This mission marks a significant milestone in humanity's return to lunar exploration, demonstrating the capabilities of the Artemis program. The successful journey and safe return of the crew advance preparations for future missions that aim to land humans on the Moon. The record-breaking nature of the trip likely refers to duration, distance, or specific achievements during the lunar flyby. This accomplishment sets the stage for further deep-space exploration efforts by NASA and its international partners.
Artemis II splashdown captures nationwide attention - NPR
The Artemis II mission's splashdown has captured nationwide attention, according to NPR. This event marks the successful return of the crewed mission that orbited the Moon as part of NASA's ambitious lunar exploration program. The splashdown signifies a major milestone for the Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the lunar surface. Public interest in the mission highlights the ongoing enthusiasm for space exploration and scientific achievement. The success of Artemis II sets the stage for future crewed lunar landings.
Key Facts
The Artemis II crew successfully splashed down in the Pacific Ocean on Friday, concluding their mission.
Source: CBS News, AFP / France 24, The Guardian US News, NPR, Al Jazeera, Sky News, Ars Technica, ABC News
The mission was the first crewed lunar flyby in over 50 years, marking a significant milestone for NASA.
Source: AFP / France 24, New York Times
The four astronauts aboard the Orion spacecraft were Commander Reid Wiseman, Christina Koch, Victor Glover, and Jeremy Hansen.
Source: AFP / France 24, CBS News, ABC News
NASA hailed the mission as a 'fantastic feat' and a 'perfect splashdown,' providing momentum for future lunar endeavors.
Source: Al Jazeera, Sky News, New York Times, CBS News
The crew used modern photography, including iPhones, to document their journey.
Source: The Conversation
Recent Highlights
Astronauts are airlifted from the capsule and seen on the recovery ship.
The Orion crew module, carrying the four Artemis II astronauts, successfully splashes down in the Pacific Ocean.
Artemis II astronauts prepare for re-entry and splashdown near San Diego after historic moon flyby.
NASA officials hold a press conference, hailing the mission's success and discussing future plans.
Full Coverage (41 articles)
Showing 20 of 41 articles
Kids, adults alike watch Artemis II crew's splashdown in San Diego
The Artemis II crew successfully completed their mission with a splashdown in San Diego, an event witnessed by both children and adults. CBS News reporter Jared Ochacher covered the splashdown, speaking with individuals who observed the event from the Fleet Science Center. This public viewing highlights widespread interest in the Artemis II mission, which marks a significant step in human space exploration. The crew's return to Earth in San Diego underscores the mission's successful completion and the public's engagement with NASA's lunar program.
Cheers welcome Artemis II astronauts home after record-breaking trip
The Artemis II astronauts were welcomed home at Ellington Field near NASA's Johnson Space Center after completing their record-breaking trip. The crew of four flew in from San Diego, where they had splashed down offshore the previous evening. This event marks the successful conclusion of a significant mission for NASA's Artemis program. The return of the astronauts to Mission Control signals a critical step in the ongoing efforts to return humans to the Moon.
Artemis II crew returns to Houston after successful mission
The Artemis II astronauts returned to Houston after successfully completing their mission. Their spacecraft splashed down off the coast of San Diego on Friday night, marking the end of their journey. This successful return signifies a major milestone for NASA's Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon. Retired Lieutenant Colonel David Mahan is discussing the mission's completion with CBS News.
Artemis II’s moon-traveling astronauts return home to cheers after a record-breaking trip - AP News
Artemis II’s moon-traveling astronauts have returned home to cheers following their record-breaking trip. This mission marks a significant milestone in humanity's return to lunar exploration, demonstrating the capabilities of the Artemis program. The successful journey and safe return of the crew advance preparations for future missions that aim to land humans on the Moon. The record-breaking nature of the trip likely refers to duration, distance, or specific achievements during the lunar flyby. This accomplishment sets the stage for further deep-space exploration efforts by NASA and its international partners.
Artemis II splashdown captures nationwide attention - NPR
The Artemis II mission's splashdown has captured nationwide attention, according to NPR. This event marks the successful return of the crewed mission that orbited the Moon as part of NASA's ambitious lunar exploration program. The splashdown signifies a major milestone for the Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the lunar surface. Public interest in the mission highlights the ongoing enthusiasm for space exploration and scientific achievement. The success of Artemis II sets the stage for future crewed lunar landings.
Artemis II crew used modern photography to tell the visual story of their lunar journey – and update some classic Apollo images
The Artemis II crew used modern photography, including iPhones and Nikon digital cameras, to document their recent lunar journey. NASA astronaut Christina Koch was photographed gazing at Earth on April 2, 2026, with an iPhone 17 Pro Max. These digital photographs, some transmitted mid-mission, provide a refreshed look at space for generations born after Apollo 17's last lunar mission in 1972. The crew, including Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen, underwent weeks of photography training. Their images, which include a solar eclipse captured on April 6, 2026, and an "Earthset," are now safely stored on memory cards with NASA.
What's next for space exploration after successful Artemis II mission
"CBS Saturday Morning" broke down the future of U.S. space exploration following the successful Artemis II mission. This segment provided insights into the next steps for American efforts in space. The discussion highlights the ongoing trajectory for space exploration after a significant milestone. It aims to inform the public about upcoming missions and strategic goals.
Artemis II crew successfully splashes down in Pacific, ending historic moon mission
The Artemis II crew successfully splashed down in the Pacific Ocean on Friday aboard the Integrity capsule. This event marked their return to Earth and concluded a historic nine-day moon mission. The mission represented a significant step in humanity's renewed efforts for lunar exploration. Their safe return paves the way for future Artemis missions, including the planned return of astronauts to the lunar surface.
Jubilant return of Artemis II shadowed by ‘extinction-level’ cuts to Nasa: ‘It’s discordant’
The Artemis II mission successfully returned its astronauts to Earth after a triumphant moon flyby, marking the first human lunar travel and safe return since 1972 and setting a new distance record. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman praised the astronauts as "ambassadors for humanity" following their inspiring journey. Despite this success, President Trump's proposed "extinction-level" budget cuts to NASA are casting a pall over the US space program. These cuts threaten the agency's future, even as it primes for a 2028 lunar landing. The situation presents a discordant contrast between the mission's achievement and the financial challenges facing NASA.
Eye Opener: Artemis II crew back on Earth after safe splashdown
The Artemis II crew successfully returned to Earth, completing their mission with a safe splashdown in the Pacific Ocean. This marks a critical step in NASA's Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon. The mission likely involved testing Orion spacecraft systems and procedures in preparation for future lunar landings. Their safe return signifies a major achievement for the U.S. space program.
Artemis II crew splashes down safely
The Artemis II crew, consisting of Commander Reid Wiseman, Christina Koch, Victor Glover, and Jeremy Hansen, safely splashed down off the California coast on Friday. This event capped NASA's successful crewed test mission around the Moon, marking the first such flyby in over 50 years. The mission's completion signifies a major milestone for the US space agency's deep space exploration efforts. All four crew members were reported to be "stable" and "green" after the landing. Dr. Christ James, a Senior Lecturer at the Center for Hypersonics, offered insights on the mission and its landing.
First lunar flyby in over 50 years hailed as perfect mission
Four NASA astronauts safely splashed down off the California coast late Friday, completing the first crewed lunar flyby in over 50 years. This mission marks a significant achievement for the US space agency's efforts to return humans to the moon. The successful return of the crew is a major milestone, demonstrating progress in NASA's deep space exploration ambitions. France 24 correspondent Wassim Cornet reported on the landing from the AirSpace Museum.
Artemis II crew seen on recovery ship after moon mission return
NASA's Artemis II astronauts were seen being helped across the deck of a US Navy recovery ship following their return from a moon mission. This marks the successful conclusion of the Artemis II mission, which was the first crewed test flight of the Orion spacecraft around the Moon. The recovery operation ensures the safety and well-being of the crew after their journey. This event represents a significant milestone for NASA's Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the lunar surface.
NASA hails success of Artemis moon mission but says more work to do
NASA scientists have hailed the Artemis II mission, which sent astronauts around the moon, as a "fantastic feat." This assessment follows the mission's completion, marking a significant step in the agency's efforts to return humans to the lunar surface. Despite the success, NASA indicates that more work is necessary for its broader Artemis program goals. The Artemis II mission served as a crewed test flight, paving the way for future lunar landings. This ongoing work aims to establish a long-term human presence on and around the Moon.
After a whirlwind mission to the moon, astronauts are back home. Here's what's next - NPR
Astronauts have returned to Earth following a "whirlwind mission to the moon." This successful return marks a critical milestone for the space program, confirming their ability to conduct lunar expeditions and bring crews back safely. The immediate focus now shifts to analyzing the mission's data and preparing for "what's next" in lunar exploration. This mission contributes significantly to humanity's ongoing efforts to establish a sustained presence beyond Earth.
After a whirlwind mission to the moon, astronauts are back home. Here's what's next
The Orion crew module, carrying the four Artemis II astronauts, successfully splashed down in the Pacific Ocean Friday evening. This marks the completion of their whirlwind mission to the moon. The immediate consequence is the safe return of the astronauts. The article does not provide further details about what happens next.
Artemis astronauts return to earth
Four astronauts from the Artemis mission successfully splashed down off the California coast late Friday, completing the first crewed lunar flyby in over 50 years. This triumphant return marks a significant achievement for NASA, which aims to re-establish human presence in deep space. The mission's success is a major milestone for the US space agency's ambitions to return humans to the Moon. Caitlin Brown reported on the event.
Artemis II: “Taking care of space means taking care of Earth”
The NASA spacecraft Artemis II, carrying four astronauts, successfully splashed down off the California coast on Friday, completing the US space agency's crewed test mission around the Moon. This marks the first such lunar flyby with a crew in over 50 years, demonstrating a significant milestone in space exploration. The successful splashdown paves the way for future Artemis missions, including a planned return of humans to the lunar surface. Olivier Sanguy, Editor-in-Chief of Space News at the Cité de l'Espace, is providing further insights into the mission's conclusion and upcoming plans. The mission's success underscores the connection between space exploration and environmental stewardship, as highlighted by the mission's theme, "Taking care of space means taking care of Earth."
Artemis II splashdown: Astronauts home safely after journey around Moon - BBC
Astronauts aboard the Artemis II mission have safely returned to Earth, completing their journey around the Moon. This successful splashdown marks a critical milestone for NASA's Artemis program, which aims to re-establish human presence on the lunar surface. The mission tested the Orion spacecraft's systems and validated procedures for future crewed deep-space exploration. This successful return paves the way for the Artemis III mission, which intends to land humans on the Moon for the first time in over 50 years. The BBC reported on the safe return of the crew.
Artemis crew home safely after completing historic mission to the Moon
Four astronauts have safely returned to Earth, splashing down in the Pacific after completing the historic Artemis mission to the Moon. Their nine-day voyage took them further from Earth than any humans have traveled before. This successful return marks a significant milestone in humanity's renewed efforts for lunar exploration. The mission demonstrates critical capabilities for future deep-space endeavors, including potential crewed missions to Mars.