Artemis II Mission Nears Earth Splashdown
The Artemis II crew is on its way back to Earth after a historic lunar mission, preparing for a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean off Southern California. The mission's conclusion marks a critical step in NASA's program to re-establish human presence on the moon. The return involves a fiery, 14-minute reentry, with recovery operations broadcast live.
Latest Developments

Here's what to expect when Artemis II reenters Earth, splashes down in Pacific Ocean
The Artemis II crew is preparing for splashdown off the coast of San Diego, marking the conclusion of their historic moon mission. This reentry will see the spacecraft return to Earth, splashing down in the Pacific Ocean. CBS News' Mark Strassmann is covering the event, with insights from former astronaut Dr. Jay Buckey on the reentry process. The successful splashdown will bring the crew home after their journey around the Moon.

Artemis II astronauts hurtle home from moon toward splashdown
The four Artemis II astronauts are hurtling home toward Earth for a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean off Southern California, concluding the world's first crewed moon voyage in over half a century. Aboard their Orion spacecraft, the crew is expected to separate the capsule from its service module before a fiery re-entry. This event marks the finale of NASA's celebrated 10-day mission. The capsule will then endure a six-minute radio blackout before parachuting into the sea.

Artemis II splashdown: When it lands, risks and how to watch live
The Orion spacecraft is scheduled to return to Earth, splashing down off the San Diego coast at 00:07 GMT. This event marks the conclusion of the Artemis II mission, which is a critical step in NASA's program to return humans to the Moon. The splashdown is a key operational phase, requiring precise atmospheric re-entry and ocean recovery procedures for the crewed capsule. The public can watch the splashdown live as the mission concludes its journey.

Here's what to expect from the fiery, 14-minute return of Artemis II
The Artemis II mission's Orion spacecraft, carrying four astronauts, is scheduled for its "inexorable return" through Earth's atmosphere on Friday. Splashdown is predicted to occur at 8:07 pm ET (00:07 UTC Saturday). This phase of the lunar flight is considered the most critical, despite experts confirming the spacecraft appears fine. The return will take approximately 14 minutes, concluding a few hundred miles off the coast of Southern California.

Artemis II crew is headed home. What to know.
The Artemis II crew is returning to Earth following a successful mission to the moon. This marks a critical step in NASA's program to re-establish human presence on the lunar surface. The mission served as a test flight for the Orion spacecraft and its systems, paving the way for future lunar landings. CBS News' Mark Strassmann reported on the crew's return.
Key Facts
The Artemis II crew is returning to Earth for a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean off Southern California.
Source: CBS News, AFP / France 24, The Hill
The mission marks the conclusion of a historic lunar journey, a critical step in NASA's program to re-establish human presence on the moon.
Source: CBS News, AP US News
The Orion spacecraft's return involves a fiery, 14-minute reentry through Earth's atmosphere.
Source: Ars Technica
Splashdown recovery operations are expected to be broadcast live.
Source: The Hill
Recent Highlights
The four Artemis II astronauts are hurtling home toward Earth for a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean.
NASA's Artemis II mission is scheduled to splash down in the Pacific Ocean off California on Friday evening.
The Orion spacecraft is scheduled to return to Earth, splashing down off the San Diego coast at 00:07 GMT.
Full Coverage (12 articles)

Here's what to expect when Artemis II reenters Earth, splashes down in Pacific Ocean
The Artemis II crew is preparing for splashdown off the coast of San Diego, marking the conclusion of their historic moon mission. This reentry will see the spacecraft return to Earth, splashing down in the Pacific Ocean. CBS News' Mark Strassmann is covering the event, with insights from former astronaut Dr. Jay Buckey on the reentry process. The successful splashdown will bring the crew home after their journey around the Moon.

Artemis II astronauts hurtle home from moon toward splashdown
The four Artemis II astronauts are hurtling home toward Earth for a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean off Southern California, concluding the world's first crewed moon voyage in over half a century. Aboard their Orion spacecraft, the crew is expected to separate the capsule from its service module before a fiery re-entry. This event marks the finale of NASA's celebrated 10-day mission. The capsule will then endure a six-minute radio blackout before parachuting into the sea.

Artemis II splashdown: When it lands, risks and how to watch live
The Orion spacecraft is scheduled to return to Earth, splashing down off the San Diego coast at 00:07 GMT. This event marks the conclusion of the Artemis II mission, which is a critical step in NASA's program to return humans to the Moon. The splashdown is a key operational phase, requiring precise atmospheric re-entry and ocean recovery procedures for the crewed capsule. The public can watch the splashdown live as the mission concludes its journey.

Here's what to expect from the fiery, 14-minute return of Artemis II
The Artemis II mission's Orion spacecraft, carrying four astronauts, is scheduled for its "inexorable return" through Earth's atmosphere on Friday. Splashdown is predicted to occur at 8:07 pm ET (00:07 UTC Saturday). This phase of the lunar flight is considered the most critical, despite experts confirming the spacecraft appears fine. The return will take approximately 14 minutes, concluding a few hundred miles off the coast of Southern California.

Artemis II crew is headed home. What to know.
The Artemis II crew is returning to Earth following a successful mission to the moon. This marks a critical step in NASA's program to re-establish human presence on the lunar surface. The mission served as a test flight for the Orion spacecraft and its systems, paving the way for future lunar landings. CBS News' Mark Strassmann reported on the crew's return.

Artemis II splashdown: How to watch Orion capsule return home
The Orion capsule from the Artemis II mission is returning to Earth, with its splashdown recovery operations set to be broadcast live on NewsNation. This event marks the conclusion of the Artemis II mission, which is a critical step in NASA's program to return humans to the Moon. Viewers can anticipate watching the capsule's re-entry and subsequent recovery as it lands in the ocean. The successful return of Orion is essential for validating systems and procedures for future crewed lunar missions.
A look at the risks as Artemis II crew prepares to splash down in the Pacific
The Artemis II crew is preparing for splashdown in the Pacific Ocean on Friday, concluding their journey around the far side of the moon. This event marks the return of the four astronauts after a history-making mission. Mark Strassmann is explaining the inherent risks associated with the crew's re-entry into Earth's atmosphere. The successful splashdown is a critical final step for the mission, bringing the astronauts home after their lunar orbit.

Eye Opener: Artemis set to splash down after historic lunar mission
NASA's Artemis II mission is scheduled to splash down in the Pacific Ocean off California on Friday evening, marking the conclusion of its historic lunar mission. This event signifies a critical step in the Artemis program's goal of returning humans to the Moon. In other news, the United States and Iran are preparing for high-level peace talks this weekend. These discussions aim to address ongoing diplomatic issues between the two nations.
VP Vance to lead U.S. team in Iran peace talks. And, Artemis II to return to Earth
Vice President Vance is leading a U.S. team to Pakistan for peace talks concerning the war in Iran. The delegation aims to negotiate an end to the conflict. Separately, the Artemis II mission is scheduled to return to Earth today.

Rocket Report: Chinese version of Falcon 9 fails; Artemis depends on rapid heavy lift
The Rocket Report, Edition 8.36, notes the Artemis II mission is going smoothly, with atmospheric reentry ahead for the crew and Orion spacecraft. Seagate Space Corporation announced a "memorandum of understanding" with Firefly Aerospace to explore an offshore launch platform for the Alpha rocket, with Sean Fortener, president and COO at Seagate Space, stating it's a major step for offshore launch. Germany-based Isar Aerospace stood down from a Thursday, April 9 launch attempt for its Spectrum rocket due to a suspected leak. The article also mentions the Atlas V rocket launched its heaviest mission to date on April 4.

When will Artemis II splashdown? What to expect as NASA mission ends - USA Today
USA Today is reporting on the anticipated splashdown of NASA's Artemis II mission. The article focuses on what to expect as the mission concludes, including details about its return to Earth. This event marks a significant milestone in NASA's efforts to return humans to the Moon and beyond. The successful splashdown is crucial for validating the spacecraft's systems and preparing for future crewed lunar missions.

Artemis II's grand moon finale is almost here with a Pacific splashdown to cap NASA's lunar comeback - AP News
NASA's Artemis II mission is nearing its conclusion with a planned Pacific splashdown. This event marks the culmination of the agency's lunar comeback efforts. The splashdown will signify the end of the Artemis II mission's journey to the moon. This mission is a critical step in NASA's broader program to return humans to the lunar surface.
