Artemis II Splashdown Live: The Artemis II crew is coming home. After a journey of more than 690,000 miles, the Orion capsule is streaking toward a Pacific Ocean splashdown off the coast of San Diego. NASA’s flight dynamics team has calculated the spacecraft will reach a top speed of 24,661.21 miles per hour after reentry—just 130 mph behind the record set by Apollo 10’s 24,791 mph return.
Commander Reid Wiseman, looking at Earth from 17,000 nautical miles above, described the view with quiet wonder. “Christine has got an amazing view of home flat out the side hatch window, and it’s lighting up the cabin, and it’s just a great blue hue to it. It’s beautiful.”
After a journey of more than 690,000 miles, the crew is nearly home.
The Artemis II crew will splash down off the coast of San Diego later today and, though it won’t be visible from land, you can still wave in their general direction to welcome them back to Earth! 👋 pic.twitter.com/ZZX23QCTpb
— NASA (@NASA) April 10, 2026
Artemis II Splashdown Live: What Is the Recovery Plan?
The USS John P. Murtha leads a coordinated effort involving helicopters, divers, and support vessels. Military aircraft are circling overhead, ready to track Orion’s descent. Once the capsule splashes down, teams will move quickly to secure it and assist the astronauts.
This marks the first joint operation between NASA and defense forces for a lunar crew since Apollo 17 in 1972. Unlike earlier space missions, Orion is designed to operate autonomously during reentry and descent. The spacecraft is handling navigation, stabilization, and parachute deployment without manual intervention. The crew has remained largely hands-off, prepared only for emergencies.
Artemis II Splashdown Live:Â How Is the Weather?
NASA’s Rob Navias reported that a new forecast “calls for the clouds above the splashdown zone to be in the process of dissipating. The winds are somewhat reduced now, just six knots, the wave heights less than four feet. All go forecast.”
Favorable conditions provide a stable environment for recovery operations. Weather has been a critical factor throughout the final hours of the mission, and the latest reading gives the green light.
Artemis II Splashdown Live:Â What Is the Status of the Spacesuits?
All four astronauts have put on their orange flight suits and passed a series of leak checks, according to NASA. The suits are worn during launch and splashdown and are designed to function as individual spacecraft should the Orion capsule lose pressurization. Each suit carries a supply of emergency oxygen and can scrub carbon dioxide from the environment, providing breathable air for up to six days if needed.
“The suits passed – no leaks!” NASA commentator Rob Navias confirmed. The crew is now suited up aboard the Orion capsule, all set to return as they left.
Artemis II Splashdown Live:Â How Has Orion Performed?
Engineers are closely monitoring how the autonomous systems perform under real conditions. Artemis II serves as a critical test for future missions. So far, Orion has followed its trajectory with remarkable precision.
Unlike earlier space missions, Orion handled navigation, stabilization, and parachute deployment without manual intervention. The crew spent nearly ten days in microgravity, where everyday tasks become challenging—eating, sleeping, and even moving require adjustment. Returning to Earth’s gravity can feel disorienting, which is why astronauts undergo careful medical checks after landing.
Artemis II Splashdown Live:Â How to Watch the Splashdown
Live and original programming is available on NASA’s free streaming platform, NASA+. Programming is also available on the NASA App, third-party streaming services and social media platforms. The splashdown will not be visible from land, but NASA encourages well-wishers to wave in the general direction of the Pacific.
FAQs: Artemis II Splashdown
Q: When is splashdown?
A: Approximately 8:07 p.m. EDT on Friday, April 10, off the coast of San Diego.
Q: How fast is Orion traveling?
A: 24,661.21 miles per hour after reentry—130 mph slower than Apollo 10’s record.
Q: What ship is leading recovery?
A: The USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26), a San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock.
Q: What did the commander say about the view?
A: Reid Wiseman called it “beautiful,” describing a “great blue hue” lighting up the cabin.
Q: Is this the first lunar crew recovery since Apollo?
A: Yes. This is the first joint NASA-Navy operation for a lunar crew since Apollo 17 in 1972.
Disclaimer: This article is based on NASA mission commentary and recovery plans as of April 11, 2026.
