Photo: NASA / Getty Images News / Getty Images
(San Diego, CA) — The Artemis II lunar mission is nearing its historic conclusion and is set to return safely to Earth this evening, marking another major milestone in NASA’s quest to establish a long-term human presence beyond low Earth orbit. After days orbiting the Moon, the Orion spacecraft carrying four astronauts is now on its return trajectory and will splash down in the Pacific Ocean tonight off the coast of California.
Recovery operations will be led by the USS John P. Murtha, which is positioned near San Diego to retrieve the crew and spacecraft. NASA officials say splashdown is expected at approximately 5:07 p.m. Pacific Time, assuming favorable weather and sea conditions.
As Orion re-enters Earth’s atmosphere, the spacecraft will endure some of the most extreme conditions of the entire mission. NASA reports Orion will reach speeds of nearly 24,000 miles per hour, generating intense heat as friction builds against the atmosphere. The capsule’s heat shield, designed to withstand temperatures rivaling the surface of the Sun, will protect the astronauts during this critical phase.
Once Orion slows sufficiently, a sequence of large parachutes will deploy high above the Pacific, dramatically reducing the spacecraft’s speed and guiding it safely toward the ocean. Moments after splashdown, five inflatable airbags will automatically deploy, helping stabilize the capsule and keep it upright in the water.
Recovery teams aboard the USS John P. Murtha will then move in, securing the spacecraft before carefully extracting the astronauts. The crew will undergo initial medical evaluations on board the ship before being transported back to shore.
NASA says the successful return of Artemis II will provide crucial data for future deep-space missions, including upcoming flights that aim to land astronauts on the Moon and eventually send humans to Mars.
The final countdown begins for the Historic Artemis II splashdown at 5:00p Pacific. Listen Live on iHeartRadio 24/7.