Artemis II Crew Returns Safely After Historic Moon Flight

Artemis II Crew Returns Safely After Historic Moon Flight

‘Textbook’ Splashdown Ends Landmark Mission

The Artemis II crew have safely returned to Earth, completing a historic nine-day journey around the Moon with a “textbook” splashdown in the Pacific Ocean.

Touchdown came at 01:07 BST, with commander Reid Wiseman confirming all four astronauts were “happy and healthy” after the mission.

The crew were quickly airlifted to a US Navy recovery ship for routine medical checks.

‘New Era Of Space Exploration’

NASA hailed the mission as a turning point.

“This is the start of a new era of human space exploration,” officials said, marking humanity’s return to deep space for the first time since the Apollo 8 era.

The astronauts endured a tense six-minute communications blackout during reentry — widely considered the most dangerous phase — but the descent went exactly to plan.

Record-Breaking Journey Into Deep Space

At its peak, the mission reached 406,771km from Earth — the furthest distance humans have ever travelled, surpassing the Apollo-era record.

The spacecraft looped around the far side of the Moon before beginning its return journey, covering roughly 400,000km over four days outbound alone.

Stunning Images From The Far Side

NASA also released spectacular images captured during the mission.

One standout, dubbed “Earthset,” shows Earth dipping below the Moon’s horizon — a striking reversal of the iconic Earthrise image.

Another shows a total solar eclipse from lunar orbit, with the crew witnessing nearly 54 minutes of darkness as the Moon blocked the Sun.

From inside the Orion capsule, astronauts watched Earth shrink into a distant crescent as they ventured deeper into space.

What Happens Next

Following recovery, the crew will undergo further medical evaluation before beginning detailed mission debriefs.

The success of Artemis II clears the path for future crewed lunar landings — and potentially missions beyond.

Humanity Steps Back Into Deep Space

After decades confined to low-Earth orbit, humans have once again travelled into deep space — and made it back.

For NASA, Artemis II is more than a mission.

It’s proof the next chapter has already begun.

SOURCE