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Artemis II Returns: Astronauts Back on Earth After Lunar Flyby
10 Apr
Summary
- Artemis II crew safely splashed down after a 10-day historic lunar flyby.
- The Orion capsule endured extreme heat during re-entry, nearing 2,760C.
- Artemis IV aims for a lunar landing by early 2028 for sample collection.

The astronauts of the Artemis II mission have returned to Earth, completing a significant 10-day journey. This historic flight saw the crew orbit the Moon, venturing further into space than any previous human mission. The Orion spacecraft's splashdown off the coast of San Diego marked the culmination of this ambitious endeavor.
Re-entry and splashdown are critical phases, with the Orion capsule experiencing temperatures approaching 2,760C. Recovery teams were on standby to retrieve the astronauts safely. This mission served as a crucial test flight in lunar space, paving the way for future lunar exploration.
Nasa's Artemis program is progressing towards landing humans on the Moon. Artemis III will involve crucial rendezvous and docking maneuvers with commercial landers. The program's ultimate goal includes lunar landings by 2028, with Artemis IV scheduled for early 2028 to explore the lunar South Pole.