NASA’s Artemis II Crew Splash Down After 10-Day Lunar Journey

NASA's Artemis II splashes down off southern U.S. California coast

Four astronauts have safely returned to Earth after completing a 10-day mission around the Moon, the NASA has confirmed.

The Orion capsule splashed down in the Pacific Ocean at about 17:07 local time (0007 GMT Saturday), roughly 96 kilometres off the coast of San Diego, California. The mission marked the first crewed lunar flight since Apollo 17.

Following the landing, Artemis II Commander Reid Wiseman said all four crew members were in good condition. The crew also included Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen of the Canadian Space Agency.

NASA reported that the astronauts travelled approximately 1.12 million kilometres during the mission. Weather conditions at the recovery site were favourable, with wind speeds and wave heights within required safety limits.

The Orion capsule re-entered Earth’s atmosphere using a modified flight path aimed at reducing heat stress on the heat shield. The adjustments were made following issues identified during the Artemis I test flight.

A U.S. Navy recovery team aboard the USS John P. Murtha was deployed to retrieve the crew shortly after splashdown.

“We are back in the business of sending astronauts to the Moon and bringing them back safely,” said NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman.

NASA noted that the crew set a new record for the farthest distance travelled by humans from Earth, describing Artemis II as a major milestone in its Artemis programme.

The initiative aims to return astronauts to the lunar surface by 2028 and eventually establish a sustained human presence on the Moon.