NASA is set to bring its Artemis II mission back to Earth on April 10, marking the successful completion of a historic lunar flyby. The Orion spacecraft, carrying four astronauts, is scheduled to splash down in the Pacific Ocean near San Diego.
The mission is a major milestone in NASA’s Artemis programme, aimed at returning humans to the Moon and preparing for future missions to Mars.
Splashdown timing and details
According to NASA, the Artemis II crew is expected to splash down at approximately 8:07 PM EDT on April 10, 2026. The landing will take place in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego, where recovery teams are already on standby.
Live updates on timing and location will be available through NASA’s official website and social media platforms, allowing viewers worldwide to track the event in real time.
Mission highlights and achievements
The Artemis II mission involved a crewed flyby of the Moon, during which astronauts conducted observations, experiments and in-flight demonstrations.
The Orion spacecraft, named Integrity, travelled a total distance of approximately 6.95 lakh miles during the mission. At its closest approach, it came within 4,070 miles of the Moon’s surface and reached a maximum distance of around 2.52 lakh miles from Earth.
This surpasses the record set by the Apollo 13 mission, making Artemis II one of the most distant human spaceflights in history.
Crew and onboard activities
The mission crew includes astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen.
During the journey, the astronauts carried out a range of scientific experiments, system checks and manual piloting demonstrations. They were also given designated rest periods to ensure optimal performance throughout the mission.
What happens after splashdown
Following splashdown, NASA’s recovery teams will deploy helicopters to retrieve the astronauts and transport them to the USS John P. Murtha. The crew will undergo initial medical evaluations onboard the ship.
Afterwards, they will be taken to NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston for detailed post-mission assessments and debriefing.
How to watch the livestream
Space enthusiasts can watch the Artemis II splashdown live through NASA’s official platforms, including its website and social media channels. The livestream is expected to begin ahead of the scheduled landing time, offering real-time coverage of the spacecraft’s return.
In addition, NASA has invited the public to engage with the mission by offering free downloadable Moon-themed mobile wallpapers through its official website.
Conclusion
The Artemis II splashdown marks a significant achievement in modern space exploration, bringing humans one step closer to sustained lunar missions. With global audiences tuning in, the mission underscores renewed interest in space science and international collaboration.