The Artemis II crew capsule has splashed down in the Pacific Ocean, concluding NASA's historic crewed test mission around the Moon. Mission commander Reid Wiseman confirmed the four astronauts, including Christina Koch, Victor Glover, and Jeremy Hansen, are in stable condition. "They're in great condition," stated NASA public affairs official Rob Navias.
Following a brief communications blackout during re-entry, mission commander Wiseman confirmed contact with mission control. NASA and the US military facilitated the astronauts' recovery and transport to a recovery ship near San Diego. The spacecraft endured speeds exceeding 30 times the speed of sound and extreme heat, validating its heat shield performance.
This approximately 10-day mission, a crucial step towards sustained lunar presence and future crewed landings, marked several firsts. The astronauts became the furthest humans from Earth, reaching 406,771 kilometers. Victor Glover was the first person of color to orbit the Moon, Christina Koch the first woman, and Jeremy Hansen the first non-American.
The mission also rigorously tested the Orion capsule's heat shield, which faced scrutiny after earlier complications. NASA adjusted the re-entry trajectory to minimize risks, ensuring a successful and safe return, drawing comparisons to past space shuttle tragedies but ultimately concluding without incident.