Artemis II Astronauts Reflect on Historic Lunar Journey as They Near Home

Sun Apr 12 2026 00:11:15 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

The Artemis II crew, less than 150,000 miles from Earth, shares experiences from their record-breaking lunar mission, reflecting on the surreal aspects of space travel and the challenges ahead during their return.

As the Artemis II mission comes to a close, the crew members approach Earth, reminiscing about their profound journey around the moon. Teaming up with NASA and the Defense Department for the reentry, they face risks and challenges while highlighting the significance of their experiences. Their mission serves as a stepping stone towards sustainable lunar exploration, with future Artemis missions planned for the coming years.

HOUSTON (AP) — Approaching Earth after a remarkable lunar mission, the Artemis II astronauts reflect on their experiences as they prepare for a perilous return. The crew, humanity's first lunar explorers in over 50 years, find themselves just under 150,000 miles (240,000 kilometers) from home.

We need to return home to share the wealth of data and experiences we've collected, pilot Victor Glover expressed, emphasizing the treasures of visual and narrative insights they'll bring back. He mentioned riding a fireball through the atmosphere as a powerful experience.

Commander Reid Wiseman described the crew's time lost behind the moon, marked by feelings of isolation, as surreal. The astronaut duo, along with Christina Koch and Canada’s Jeremy Hansen, achieved a historic record of being the farthest humans from Earth, reaching a staggering 252,756 miles (406,771 kilometers).

As they emerged from behind the moon, the crew delighted in a breathtaking total solar eclipse, a rare sight that capped their journey. Glover remarked about the eclipse offering a 'wonderful consolation' given the diminished light on the lunar far side due to their launch timing.

Now, all eyes are on their return, scheduled for Friday, with anticipation surrounding their Pacific splashdown off San Diego. The USS John P. Murtha is already poised for the mission, aided by military planes and helicopters for recovery. This collaboration marks the first joint effort between NASA and the Defense Department for a crew's return since the Apollo 17 mission in 1972.

The Orion capsule, predicted to hit speeds of 23,840 mph (38,367 kph), will reenter the atmosphere at an astonishing 34,965 feet (10,657 meters) per second. Mission Control remains attentive to how the capsule's heat shield withstands reentry, especially after previous damage encountered during the Orion test flight in 2022.

Instead of opting for a costly heat shield replacement for Artemis II, NASA modified the capsule's descent trajectory to reduce thermal exposure while preparations for future missions may include redesigned heat shields. Exploring lunar landings and establishing a sustainable outpost are on the agenda for Artemis III and beyond.

NASA officials, cautious in sharing risk assessments for the nearly 10-day journey, prioritize ensuring a safe landing for the crew. We are at the final stretch now, said Lakiesha Hawkins of NASA, emphasizing the significance of a safe return amidst the mission's inherent risks.