Artemis II crew recovered after ‘textbook splashdown’ – as it happened
The Artemis II crew successfully splashed down in the Pacific Ocean, concluding a historic mission to the Moon. All four astronauts emerged from the Orion capsule in good health, marking a significant achievement for NASA and space exploration. The mission showcased international collaboration and advanced technology, paving the way for future lunar and Mars missions.

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What happened
The Artemis II crew successfully splashed down in the Pacific Ocean, concluding a historic mission to the Moon. All four astronauts emerged from the Orion capsule in good health, marking a significant achievement for NASA and space exploration. The mission showcased international collaboration and advanced technology, paving the way for future lunar and Mars missions.
Why this matters
The successful recovery of the Artemis II crew demonstrates the effectiveness of NASA's technology and mission planning. It boosts public interest and support for space exploration initiatives. This mission sets a precedent for future lunar missions and international collaboration in space.
What changed
The successful splashdown comes at a time when interest in space exploration is surging, with plans for future missions to the Moon and Mars.
Bigger picture
The successful recovery of the Artemis II crew demonstrates the effectiveness of NASA's technology and mission planning. It boosts public interest and support for space exploration initiatives. This mission sets a precedent for future lunar missions and international collaboration in space.
Looking Towards the Future
The successful splashdown comes at a time when interest in space exploration is surging, with plans for future missions to the Moon and Mars.
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Artemis II crew recovered after ‘textbook splashdown’ – as it happened
United States
NASA Cheers First Successful Moon Mission Since 1972
United States
NASA celebrates the successful return of the Artemis II crew after a 9-day mission around the Moon, marking a significant milestone in space exploration. The mission, which included an international crew, showcased the collaborative efforts of various organizations and highlighted advancements in space technology. Administrator Jared Isaacman expressed pride in the team's hard work and dedication, emphasizing the importance of this achievement for future lunar missions.
Artemis II marks historic lunar return with Pacific splashdown success
United States
The Artemis II mission has successfully completed humanity's first lunar journey in over 50 years, culminating in a Pacific splashdown. This mission unveiled new lunar mysteries and set records, paving the way for future lunar exploration and a planned moon landing by another crew in two years. The crew's safe return was celebrated by NASA and the public, marking a significant milestone in space exploration.
Top takeaways from the Artemis II mission
United States
NASA's Artemis II mission marked a historic lunar flyby with a diverse crew, including the first woman and first person of color. The mission set a new distance record from Earth and provided unique observations, such as a solar eclipse and meteorite impacts. This mission is a significant step towards establishing a sustained human presence on the moon and future Mars exploration.
Artemis II splashdown: Astronauts return to Earth after lunar mission
United States
NASA's Artemis II astronauts have successfully splashed down in the Pacific Ocean, marking a historic return from their lunar mission. This mission, the first crewed journey around the Moon in over 50 years, tested vital technologies for future space exploration. The crew's safe return is a significant milestone for NASA and paves the way for upcoming lunar missions, including Artemis IV.
Artemis II splashes down in Pacific after historic moon trip
United States
The Artemis II mission successfully concluded with the crew splashing down in the Pacific Ocean off California after a groundbreaking 10-day journey to the moon. This mission marked the first time in over fifty years that humans have traveled to the moon, setting new records for deep space exploration. The crew, consisting of NASA astronauts and a Canadian astronaut, is now safely back on Earth, ready to reunite with their families.
Orion splashes down to successfully end Artemis 2 mission
United States
The Artemis 2 Orion spacecraft successfully splashed down in the Pacific Ocean, marking the conclusion of the first human mission beyond Earth orbit in over 50 years. The four astronauts aboard reported being in good health after their historic journey, which included a free-return trajectory around the moon. This mission tested various capabilities of the Orion spacecraft, paving the way for future lunar exploration.