NASA’s Artemis II crew has entered the final stretch of their historic deep-space mission, preparing for re-entry and splashdown after completing a successful lunar flyby. The Orion spacecraft is now on a carefully monitored return trajectory as mission controllers track its progress toward Earth.

Final Preparations for Re-Entry

The four astronauts, Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialists Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen, began their day aboard the Orion spacecraft with the song “Lonesome Drifter” by Charley Crockett as they sped toward Earth at a distance of about 1,47,337 miles. On Thursday, the crew configured the spacecraft for Earth re-entry while stowing equipment, clearing cabin restraints, and conducting final system checks.

Spacecraft on Safe Return Path

Mission controllers confirmed that the spacecraft is on a precise return trajectory following a scheduled mid-course correction burn. The crew closely monitored the maneuver from inside the capsule. The burn adjusted the spacecraft’s path to ensure it will enter Earth’s atmosphere at the correct re-entry angle for a safe descent and landing. 

Expected Splashdown and Mission Duration

NASA’s Artemis II is expected to conclude on April 10, 2026 (U.S. time), with a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean near the coast of California after a 10-day mission. 

• Date: April 10, 2026
• Time: 8:07 p.m. EDT
• Location: Pacific Ocean near California (San Diego region)

Final Steps Before Splashdown

In the final hours before re-entry, the spacecraft will go through a series of carefully planned events leading up to splashdown around 8:07 p.m. EDT. 

Here are the events in the final hours before re-entry: 

• The service module will detach around 7:33 p.m. EDT before it enters Earth’s atmosphere.
• This will be followed by a final trajectory adjustment burn at 7:37 p.m. EDT.
• As Orion reaches peak re-entry heating at about 7:53 p.m. EDT, it will enter a communications blackout and the crew is expected to feel up to 3.9 Gs.
• At roughly 22,000 feet, the drogue parachutes will open first, with the main parachutes deploying near 6,000 feet.

Also Read: Artemis II vs Apollo 17

Post-Splashdown Recovery Process

Once the spacecraft splashes down, recovery teams in the Pacific will move in quickly. They will secure the capsule and retrieve the crew. The astronauts will be lifted aboard recovery helicopters. They will then be taken for initial medical evaluation before traveling back to NASA facilities in Houston. This final stage ensures the crew returns safely and receives immediate care after landing.

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