Artemis II Mission Nears Earth Splashdown
NASA's Artemis II mission is concluding its historic journey, with the Orion spacecraft and its four astronauts preparing for a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean. The crew's return marks a critical step in NASA's human exploration program, with preparations underway for the fiery reentry and recovery.
Latest Developments
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.
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.
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."
Key Facts
The Artemis II astronauts are returning to Earth for a splashdown landing in the Pacific Ocean.
Source: CBS News, AFP / France 24
This event marks the conclusion of their historic mission around the moon.
Source: CBS News
The Orion spacecraft's reentry will be a fiery, 14-minute process.
Source: Ars Technica
Recovery operations are being broadcast live as the crew prepares to readjust to life on Earth.
Source: The Hill, ABC News
Recent Highlights
Preparations are underway for the fiery, 14-minute reentry and recovery of the crew.
NASA's Orion spacecraft is scheduled for splashdown off the San Diego coast at 00:07 GMT.
Artemis II astronauts are hurtling home towards Earth for splashdown.
Full Coverage (31 articles)
Showing 20 of 31 articles
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.
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.
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 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.
Artemis II splashes down safely after historic voyage around the moon - The Washington Post
The Artemis II mission successfully concluded its historic voyage around the moon, splashing down safely. This mission marked the first crewed test flight of NASA's Orion spacecraft and Space Launch System rocket, carrying astronauts further than any human has traveled since Apollo 17. The safe return of Artemis II is a critical step in the Trump administration's broader Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the lunar surface. This achievement paves the way for future lunar landings and eventual missions to Mars.
Russia and Ukraine set to begin Orthodox Easter ceasefire
Russia and Ukraine are set to begin a temporary Orthodox Easter ceasefire starting Saturday afternoon. The Kremlin ordered a 32-hour truce from 4:00pm Saturday through Sunday, with Kyiv indicating it would reciprocate the pause. This ceasefire offers a brief interruption in the four-year conflict, even as US-led diplomatic efforts to achieve a lasting peace continue to falter. The agreement comes amidst ongoing strikes and high battlefield tensions between the two nations.
WATCH: Astronauts exit spacecraft after successful splashdown
Astronauts Christina Koch, Victor Glover Jr., Jeremy Hansen, and Reid Wiseman successfully exited the Orion capsule following a splashdown. This event marks the completion of the Artemis II mission, which is a significant step in NASA's program to return humans to the Moon. The safe return of the crew demonstrates the Orion spacecraft's capabilities and validates critical systems for future lunar missions. This mission is a crucial precursor to the Artemis III mission, which aims to land astronauts on the lunar surface.
NASA astronauts exit Orion capsule after successful Artemis II mission
NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen successfully exited the Orion capsule after completing the Artemis II mission. This marks the conclusion of a historic journey that saw the crew travel around the Moon. The mission's success demonstrates the capabilities of the Orion spacecraft and its crew, validating critical systems for future lunar endeavors. This achievement is a significant step forward for NASA's Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the lunar surface. The successful splashdown and crew recovery pave the way for subsequent missions in the program.
NASA astronaut describes watching "picture perfect" Artemis II splashdown with crew's families
NASA astronaut Dr. Kjell Lindgren described the Artemis II crew's splashdown as "picture perfect" and shared the experience with the astronauts' families and friends. This observation confirms the successful conclusion of the Artemis II mission, marking a critical step in NASA's lunar exploration program. The event highlights the emotional investment and shared anticipation among the space community and the families of those involved. A "picture perfect" splashdown ensures the safe return of the crew, paving the way for future Artemis missions.
Artemis II crew splashes down safely after historic lunar mission
The four Artemis II astronauts aboard the Orion spacecraft safely returned to Earth on Friday evening, splashing down in the Pacific Ocean. This marked the successful completion of their historic 10-day journey to the far side of the moon and back. The mission represents a significant milestone for NASA's Artemis program, aiming to return humans to the lunar surface. The spacecraft splashed down off the coast of San Diego, Calif., at 8:07 p.m. EDT.
Four astronauts are back home after a daring ride around the Moon
NASA’s Orion spacecraft, named Integrity, returned to Earth on Friday, bringing home four astronauts after humanity's first voyage to the Moon in nearly 54 years. The spacecraft slammed into the atmosphere at over 30 times the speed of sound, with external temperatures reaching 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit. It splashed down in the Pacific Ocean southwest of San Diego at 8:07 pm EDT Friday (00:07 UTC Saturday). Ground teams regained communication with Orion commander Reid Wiseman after a six-minute radio blackout during reentry. A US Navy recovery ship was positioned to await the crew’s homecoming.
What's next for Artemis II astronauts after splashdown
The Artemis II astronauts successfully splashed down off the California coast, concluding their "epic journey in space." This event marks the completion of their mission, which involved a journey in space. The successful splashdown initiates the next phase for the astronauts, focusing on post-mission activities. Their return sets the stage for what happens next after their spaceflight.
Watch Artemis II crew return to Earth in successful splashdown
The Orion capsule, carrying the Artemis II astronauts, successfully reentered Earth's atmosphere and splashed down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California on Friday. This marks the successful conclusion of the Artemis II mission, which orbited the Moon without landing, testing the spacecraft and systems for future lunar missions. The safe return of the crew is a critical milestone for NASA's Artemis program, paving the way for the planned Artemis III mission to land humans on the Moon. CBS News 24/7 provided coverage of the splashdown event.
Moment Artemis II splashes down after moon mission
NASA’s Artemis II astronauts safely splashed down on Earth, successfully concluding their landmark mission. This event marks the completion of the Artemis II mission, which involved a journey around the Moon. The safe return of the crew is a significant milestone for NASA's broader Artemis program, which aims to establish a long-term human presence on the lunar surface. This mission provides crucial data and experience for future lunar explorations.
Watch the Artemis II re-entry: Separation, blackout, then splashdown
The four crew members of the Artemis II mission have successfully returned to Earth, concluding their 10-day journey to the Moon. Their re-entry sequence involved spacecraft separation, a communications blackout period, and a final splashdown. This mission marks a significant milestone in NASA's Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the lunar surface. The successful completion of Artemis II demonstrates the capabilities of the Orion spacecraft and its systems for future lunar exploration.
How NASA Achieved the Historic Artemis II Splashdown
NASA Artemis II astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, along with CSA astronaut Jeremy Hansen, successfully returned to Earth following a 10-day mission around the Moon. Their Orion spacecraft splashed down off the coast of San Diego at 8:07 p.m. EDT on Friday, April 10, concluding the first crewed mission to the moon in 54 years. The crew was extracted by recovery teams within two hours and taken to the USS John P. Murtha for post-mission medical evaluations. This mission utilized a modified heat shield with a more porous Avcoat formulation and a shallower reentry trajectory to address issues observed during the uncrewed Artemis I flight in 2022. The astronauts will next be flown to NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.
Meet the creator of the plushie floating around Artemis II, a California second grader
California second-grader Lukas Ye designed the plushie currently serving as a zero-gravity indicator for the Artemis II crew. Ye's creation is flying aboard the Artemis II mission, which is part of NASA's program to return humans to the Moon. This highlights a unique connection between a young student's creativity and a major space exploration endeavor. Lukas Ye and his mother are discussing the project with CBS News.
First Contact: Meet the Dive Medical Recovery Team of Artemis II - usff.navy.mil
The U.S. Navy's Dive Medical Recovery Team of Artemis II is preparing for its role in the upcoming Artemis II mission. This specialized team is responsible for the rapid recovery and initial medical assessment of astronauts upon their return to Earth following splashdown. Their training ensures the safe retrieval of the crew capsule and its occupants from the ocean. This critical "First Contact" role is vital for astronaut safety and mission success, providing immediate medical support after spaceflight. The team's readiness is a key component of the overall Artemis II operational plan.