How the Artemis crew will splash down on Earth
Artemis II Crew’s Return to Earth
Four astronauts aboard the Orion spacecraft have concluded their lunar mission. They are scheduled to splash down near San Diego’s coast at 20:07 eastern US time on Friday (01:07 BST on Saturday). The re-entry sequence, initiated by the European Service Module’s detachment, will take about 42 minutes to complete.
The re-entry phase is viewed as the most perilous part of the Artemis II mission. The Orion capsule will face temperatures nearing 2,760°C during its descent, equivalent to roughly half the Sun’s heat. This mission does not include a lunar landing, though NASA is targeting human moon landings by 2028.
Through video links, the crew shared updates with their families, recounting their journey. NASA astronauts performed multiple tests on the Orion, including simulations of capsule maneuvering. A unique opportunity arose for passengers on a commercial flight to witness the launch of the first crewed lunar mission in five decades.
Science editor Rebecca Morelle observed the event from three miles away, capturing the moment the most powerful rocket ever built launched from Florida. Despite delays and technical hurdles, the mission successfully entered Earth’s orbit. The BBC’s Ione Wells interviewed participants at the Supreme Court hearing regarding President Donald Trump’s executive order.
Preparation and Innovation
Training for the Artemis II mission began at the Johnson Space Center in Texas shortly after the crew was announced in 2023. The new “universal waste management system” developed for the 10-day mission is designed to handle lunar travel waste efficiently. Specialized spacesuits are engineered to safeguard astronauts during launch, landing, and emergency situations.
The installation “A Throne Fit for a King” was displayed on the National Mall, critiquing President Trump’s White House renovations. Meanwhile, the average gas price in the US has surpassed $4, driven by ongoing tensions with Iran. A Florida-based farmer, despite financial strain, remains a vocal supporter of President Trump.
Public Reactions and Context
Across the US, large demonstrations against the Trump administration occurred, including the third “No Kings” rally. The airport faced significant delays due to TSA agents working without compensation during a partial government shutdown. Attendees at the annual CPAC conference in Texas expressed mixed opinions about the current economic climate.
“The former prosecutor has maintained a long-standing relationship with President Trump, having defended him in the criminal hush-money case.”
