NASA's Artemis II moon mission splashes down

"The astronauts' return marks the culmination of the first crewed test flight of NASA's Space Launch System rocket and Orion capsule, strengthening the agency's plans for upcoming Artemis missions."

"The four astronauts inside the Orion capsule, named Integrity, endured a 13-minute ride in which they plummeted 400,000 feet through Earth's atmosphere, with temperatures outside the capsule nearing 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit."

"Commander Reid Wiseman stated, 'We are four green crewmembers,' indicating that the crew was well after their intense journey and splashdown."

NASA's Artemis II capsule splashed down in the Pacific Ocean, concluding a 10-day mission around the moon. The crewed test flight of the Space Launch System rocket and Orion capsule strengthens NASA's plans for future Artemis missions and lunar base ambitions. The four astronauts experienced extreme conditions during reentry, including high g-forces and temperatures nearing 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit. After splashdown, they were met by the USS John P. Murtha and divers for recovery, marking a successful return from their nearly 700,000-mile journey.

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