In this image from video provided by NASA, the Artemis II Orion capsule splashes down in the Pacific Ocean on Friday. The Artemis II astronauts safely splashed down off the coast of San Diego at 5:07 p.m. Friday. After their historic 10-day mission around the moon, the crew and NASA officials are finally breathing a sigh of relief. During the crew-less 2022 Artemis I test mission, the heat shield unexpectedly chipped in more than 100 spots. “Maybe the distance we are from you makes you think what we’re doing is special,” Artemis II pilot and Southern California native Victor Glover said on Easter while on his way to the moon.

Source: Los Angeles Times April 11, 2026 10:50 UTC