US EditionArtemis II successfully splashes down, completing historic lunar mission
The four astronauts set a new human distance record and validated Orion’s heat shield and parachute systems for future lunar missions.
- On Friday, April 10, 2026, NASA's Artemis II crew splashed down in the Pacific Ocean off San Diego, concluding a historic 10-day lunar mission aboard the Orion capsule, nicknamed Integrity.
- Launched April 1, 2026, from Kennedy Space Center, the four-person crew—Commander Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian Jeremy Hansen—traveled 252,756 miles from Earth, setting a new record for human deep-space distance.
- During re-entry, the Orion capsule endured temperatures reaching 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit; after a six-minute communications blackout, the spacecraft deployed three main parachutes to stabilize descent.
- U.S. Navy recovery teams aboard the USS John P. Murtha retrieved the crew shortly after splashdown; a medical officer confirmed all four astronauts were healthy and ready to return to Houston.
- With Artemis II complete, NASA turns attention to the Artemis III mission, slated for 2027, to test integrated operations with commercial moon landers as a stepping stone toward establishing a long-term lunar presence.
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The first humans who have been near the moon for more than 50 years are back on Earth. Spectacular images show the fiery re-entry of the "Orion" capsule into the Earth's atmosphere. The three Americans Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch as well as the Canadian Jeremy Hansen moved 406.773 kilometers from the Earth at their moon orbit – further than any other human being.The four "Artemis 2" astronauts landed in space after about ten d…
The four astronauts of the Artemis mission arrived on Earth at a speed of 40,000 km/h. They managed to cross the atmosphere before landing off California. Safe and sound, they will now be able to tell the extraordinary journey that took them further than any human had ever gone, 406,000 km from the Earth. They will also reveal to us, for the very first time in its entirety, the hidden face of the Moon. (International).
Times of India
The Economic TimesRecord-setting Artemis II mission ends in high-stakes Pacific splashdown
Artemis II astronauts returned safely after a historic lunar mission. They achieved new distance records from Earth and captured unprecedented views of the moon's far side. This successful flight marks a significant step for NASA, preparing for future moon landings and establishing a base. The diverse crew made history, inspiring global audiences.
Artemis II astronauts splash down after first moon mission in more than 50 years | Fox Wilmington WSFX-TV
close Video WATCH LIVE: Artemis II crew to splash down in the Pacific Ocean after historic lunar flyby NASA and U.S. Navy teams wait off the California coast. The Orion capsule will hit the atmosphere at 25,000 mph. Parachutes will slow the craft for an 8:07 p.m. ET splashdown. This mission marks the first human lunar return in over fifty years. The four Artemis II astronauts splashed down off the coast of San Diego Friday evening following a …
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