NASA’s crew completes historic lunar flyby and prepares for water landing after testing Orion spacecraft in deep space
Category: Science
On April 10, 2026, NASA’s Artemis II mission will culminate in a historic splashdown off the coast of San Diego, California, marking a new chapter in human space exploration. The Orion capsule, carrying astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian Space Agency’s Jeremy Hansen, is scheduled to reenter Earth’s atmosphere at approximately 5:07 PM PT, following a remarkable ten-day mission that has seen them travel farther into space than any humans before.
Launched from Kennedy Space Center in Florida on April 1, 2026, the Artemis II crew undertook a complex mission aimed at testing the Orion spacecraft’s systems and capabilities in deep space. During their flight, they conducted lunar surface observations and human health studies, all integral to the future of lunar exploration. This mission is particularly notable as it builds on the success of the uncrewed Artemis I mission in 2022, and it is the first to carry a crew aboard NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket.
As of the morning of April 10, the Orion capsule was approximately 85,000 miles from Earth, having left the moon nearly 174,000 miles behind. This distance is not just a number; it signifies the extensive reach of human presence beyond our planet. The crew has accomplished what no other astronauts have done: they became the first humans to see the far side of the moon during their flyby, a feat that many space enthusiasts have eagerly awaited.
The significance of the Artemis II mission cannot be overstated. It serves as a test flight and as a precursor to future lunar landings. NASA aims to return astronauts to the moon's surface for the first time since the Apollo missions ended in 1972, and Artemis II is a key step in that direction. The mission’s success will pave the way for subsequent Artemis missions that plan to establish a sustainable human presence on the moon.
As the crew prepares for their splashdown, San Diego is gearing up to play a central role in the recovery operations. The U.S. Navy has deployed a ship, divers, and helicopters to assist in the recovery of the astronauts after their water landing. This collaboration highlights the importance of local support in national space endeavors. Not only will the splashdown be a moment of triumph for NASA, but it will also serve as a demonstration of community involvement in space exploration.
NASA has made arrangements for the splashdown to be livestreamed across multiple platforms, including NASA+, the NASA app, and its YouTube channel, allowing millions to witness this historic event. The USA TODAY Network will also provide live coverage, ensuring that viewers can follow the mission from launch to splashdown.
During their time in space, the crew faced various challenges, including some reported toilet troubles, which have become a humorous yet relatable aspect of their mission. In a light-hearted gesture, the astronauts were even offered a year’s supply of Charmin toilet paper after their in-flight issues, a reminder of the human side of space travel.
The Artemis II mission has been a remarkable showcase of NASA's capabilities and the potential for future space exploration. As the crew prepares for their return, they carry with them not just scientific data but also the hopes and dreams of a new generation of explorers. Their successful splashdown will be a moment of celebration for all who have followed their incredible adventure.
In the days leading up to the splashdown, excitement has been building in San Diego, with local events planned to celebrate the astronauts’ return. The Hotel del Coronado, among other venues, will host watch parties, bringing the community together to witness this landmark event. The mission has captured the public's imagination, reminding us of the wonders of space exploration and the spirit of discovery.
As the countdown to splashdown continues, NASA and the Artemis II crew are set to make history once again. With their successful reentry and water landing, they will return safely to Earth and solidify their place in the annals of space exploration. This mission is a bold step forward, and it leaves us all eager to see what the future holds for humanity’s endeavors beyond our planet.
As we look forward to the splashdown at 5:07 PM PT, there’s a sense of anticipation in the air. Will San Diego hear the sonic boom as the Orion capsule reenters the atmosphere? , but : the Artemis II mission is a monumental achievement in the story of human spaceflight, and it promises to inspire generations to come.