NASA Artemis II successfully returns to Earth after Moon orbit mission

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 12:47:00 +0200

NASA’s Artemis II mission concluded successfully with the Orion spacecraft, named Integrity, safely splashing down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego, California, at 5:07 p.m. PT on April 10, 2026. The mission carried four astronauts—Commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, and mission specialists Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen—on a historic journey around the Moon, marking the first crewed lunar orbit mission in over 50 years. The astronauts remained in excellent health, with all reported in 'green' condition. The mission covered over 252,760 miles from Earth, allowing the crew to observe previously unseen lunar regions, capture images, and witness a total solar eclipse. Notably, new lunar craters were identified, including one named in honor of Commander Wiseman's late wife, Carroll. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman praised the crew for their dedication and highlighted the mission's role in preparing for future lunar surface operations and a potential Moon base. A