{"id":1874134,"date":"2026-04-09T15:56:47","date_gmt":"2026-04-09T12:56:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1874134"},"modified":"2026-04-09T15:56:47","modified_gmt":"2026-04-09T12:56:47","slug":"riding-a-fireball-through-atmosphere-how-artemis-ii-astronauts-will-return-to-earth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1874134","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;Riding a fireball through atmosphere&#8217;: How Artemis II astronauts will return to Earth"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/09\/31\/1200x675_cmsv2_da621482-8fd9-556d-afe2-5585755f18c3-9710931.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2884981-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2884981\" data-cid=\"9716315\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2884981-label-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/63\/15\/189x106_cmsv2_df7d612c-7ef0-53b6-bd17-48cfa4e460a8-9716315.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"FILE: Yachts sail in front of the Dubai Marina district in Dubai, 30 June 2023\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    United Arab Emirates<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    UAE urges full compliance from Iran following ceasefire announcement\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2884975-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2884975\" data-cid=\"9716233\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2884975-label-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/62\/33\/189x106_cmsv2_a9d37949-c539-5b43-88c7-afe577024bdf-9716233.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt='Donald Trump has pitched a \"joint venture\" for the Strait of Hormuz.' height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    EU rejects Trump&#8217;s &#8216;joint venture&#8217; to charge ships through Hormuz\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2884675-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2884675\" data-cid=\"9714721\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2884675-label-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/47\/21\/189x106_cmsv2_41f21967-280c-597f-8143-f79d6e3a06e9-9714721.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban, left, and U.S. Vice President JD Vance gesture at the end of a pre-election rally in Budapest, Hungary, Tuesday, April 7, 2026.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    The Cube<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Fact-checking JD Vance&#8217;s claims that Brussels is &#8216;harming Hungary&#8217;\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2884913-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2884913\" data-cid=\"9715838\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2884913-label-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/58\/38\/189x106_cmsv2_810578c9-c122-5c94-8b6f-27d4161f35ac-9715838.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban gestures during a pre-election rally in Budapest, Hungary, Tuesday, April 7\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    MEPs warn of \u2018serious risks\u2019 to Hungary election\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2884981-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2884981\" data-cid=\"9716315\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2884981-label-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/63\/15\/189x106_cmsv2_df7d612c-7ef0-53b6-bd17-48cfa4e460a8-9716315.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"FILE: Yachts sail in front of the Dubai Marina district in Dubai, 30 June 2023\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    United Arab Emirates<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    UAE urges full compliance from Iran following ceasefire announcement\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2884975-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2884975\" data-cid=\"9716233\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2884975-label-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/62\/33\/189x106_cmsv2_a9d37949-c539-5b43-88c7-afe577024bdf-9716233.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt='Donald Trump has pitched a \"joint venture\" for the Strait of Hormuz.' height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    EU rejects Trump&#8217;s &#8216;joint venture&#8217; to charge ships through Hormuz\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2884675-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2884675\" data-cid=\"9714721\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2884675-label-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/47\/21\/189x106_cmsv2_41f21967-280c-597f-8143-f79d6e3a06e9-9714721.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban, left, and U.S. Vice President JD Vance gesture at the end of a pre-election rally in Budapest, Hungary, Tuesday, April 7, 2026.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    The Cube<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Fact-checking JD Vance&#8217;s claims that Brussels is &#8216;harming Hungary&#8217;\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2884913-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2884913\" data-cid=\"9715838\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2884913-label-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/58\/38\/189x106_cmsv2_810578c9-c122-5c94-8b6f-27d4161f35ac-9715838.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban gestures during a pre-election rally in Budapest, Hungary, Tuesday, April 7\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    MEPs warn of \u2018serious risks\u2019 to Hungary election\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"helper-site-row o-article-newsy\">\n<div class=\"helper-site-container o-article-newsy__container\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__main\">\n<header class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__header\">\n<nav aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs\">\n<div id=\"adb-article-breadcrumb\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs__list\">\n<p>                          Next<\/p>\n<p>                          Space<\/p><\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<h1 class=\"c-article-redesign-title\">\n                            &#8216;Riding a fireball through atmosphere&#8217;: How Artemis II astronauts will return to Earth<\/h1>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-video u-position-relative \">\n<div class=\"js-superdiv u-aspect-ratio-16x9 u-position-relative \" data-sponsored=\"Partner content\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"js-poster-img c-article-media__img\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/09\/31\/1536x864_cmsv2_da621482-8fd9-556d-afe2-5585755f18c3-9710931.jpg\" width=\"1536\" height=\"864\" loading=\"eager\" alt=\"This photo provided by NASA shows the exterior of the Orion spacecraft Integrity during the Artemis II mission en route to the moon on Friday, April 3, 2026\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-caption u-position-absolute\"><i id=\"article-caption-content\" class=\"c-article-caption__content\"><span class=\"c-article-caption__text\"><br \/>\n              This photo provided by NASA shows the exterior of the Orion spacecraft Integrity during the Artemis II mission en route to the moon on Friday, April 3, 2026<br \/>\n                    <span class=\"u-color-white\">&#8211;\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__copyright\">Copyright\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__credit\">NASA via AP<\/span><\/span><\/i><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-copyright c-article-image-copyright--novideo\">\n      Copyright\u00a0NASA via AP\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__body u-article-content\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__contributors-publication-date\">\n<div class=\"c-article-contributors\">\n  By&amp;nbspAnna Desmarais\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-publication-date\" data-timestamp=\"1775750207\">\n         Published on<br \/>\n            <time datetime=\"2026-04-09 17:56:47 +02:00\">09\/04\/2026 &#8211; 17:56 GMT+2<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-partage-commentaire-share\"><span>Share<\/span><\/span><span>Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup-overlay js-c-article-partage-commentaire-popup-overlay u-display-none\">\n<div id=\"js-c-article-partage-commentaire-popup\" class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup js-c-article-partage-commentaire-popup\">\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup__header u-display-flex\"><span>Share<\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/icon-close.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"Close Button\" class=\"u-cursor-pointer js-c-article-partage-commentaire-close\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup__content u-display-flex\">\n<div id=\"partage-commentaire-popup-content-container\" class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup__content__container u-display-flex\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-facebook.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"facebook\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Facebook<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-facebook.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"facebook\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-twitter.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"twitter\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Twitter<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-twitter.svg\" 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decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-telegram.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"telegram\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-vk.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"vk\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>VK<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-vk.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"vk\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-bluesky.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"bluesky\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Bluesky<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-bluesky.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"bluesky\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-threads.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"threads\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Threads<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-threads.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"threads\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"whatsapp\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Whatsapp<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"whatsapp\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"c-article-summary\">\n        The Orion spacecraft will fall over 120,000 metres in 13 minutes and travel to a special &#8220;splashdown&#8221; site off the coast of California.<br \/>\n    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-content c-article-content--next js-article-content\">\n<p>After a record-breaking week in space, the four astronauts on NASA\u2019s 10-day lunar flyby Artemis II mission are getting ready for the most intense part of their journey: the return to Earth.<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>In 13 minutes, the Orion spacecraft will fall over 400,000 feet (121 kilometres) and travel almost 2,000 miles (3,218 kilometres) over the Pacific Ocean to a special &#8220;splashdown&#8221; site off the coast of California.<\/p>\n<p>For almost half of this time, their communication with NASA&#8217;s ground crew will be cut off entirely, and they will endure temperatures up to 2,760 degrees Celsius.<\/p>\n<p>Astronaut Victor Glover said he\u2019s been thinking about this re-entry from the Artemis II mission since the day he was selected over three years ago.<\/p>\n<p>He described re-entry as &#8220;riding a fireball through the atmosphere&#8221; in a press conference on Wednesday.<\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s a closer look at what the astronauts are doing right now to prepare for their fiery arrival back to Earth, and what comes after.<\/p>\n<h2>Preparing for descent<\/h2>\n<p>To get ready for re-entry, the crew has already carried out a return trajectory correction manoeuvre, a small engine burn to adjust the spacecraft\u2019s trajectory for a more precise route back to Earth, according to Rick Henfling, the director of Artemis II\u2019s entry flight.<\/p>\n<p>The astronauts also tested suits that help them combat orthostatic intolerance, a condition that makes it difficult for astronauts to maintain blood pressure and blood flow when standing up after returning from space.<\/p>\n<p>On the ninth day of the 10-day flyby, the crew will manually drive the vehicle to centre the Earth in one of the windows and then fly it to an altitude where the tail of the ship points towards the sun, so it can generate more power, Henfling added.<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id data-event=\"widget_related\">\n<div class=\"c-widget-related__title\"><b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b><\/div>\n<ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\">\n<li class=\"c-widget-related__item\">Heading home: Artemis II crew share their most precious thoughts after moon mission <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p>Then, on Artemis II\u2019s tenth day, the astronauts get ready for the final descent.<\/p>\n<p>About 20 minutes before re-entry, the service module that supported and powered the crew during the mission will separate from Orion. It will eventually burn up in the atmosphere before coming down to Earth on its own.<\/p>\n<p>Then, the crew is ready for a last &#8220;raise burn,&#8221; a final opportunity to change the flight path before their descent, which starts southeast of Hawaii and will eventually see them land off the coast of California, Henfling said.<\/p>\n<p>The crew then lowers their visors to cover their eyes and will be &#8220;in an isolated environment in their launch and entry suit&#8221; until they reach the Earth\u2019s surface.<\/p>\n<h2>How will they perform the re-entry?<\/h2>\n<p>The capsule will re-enter the Earth&#8217;s atmosphere at about 400,000 feet (121,920 metres) and will have to travel 1,950 miles (3,138 kilometres) to its landing site.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;That\u2019s where the fun really begins,&#8221; Henfling said.<\/p>\n<p>Only 24 seconds after entering the Earth\u2019s atmosphere, Orion will hit a &#8220;blackout,&#8221; when plasma builds up around the spacecraft, which will cut the communications between the astronauts and NASA control for about six minutes.<\/p>\n<p>Orion has the world\u2019s largest heat shield on its body, which will protect the astronauts from the extreme heat and plasma.<\/p>\n<p>After the six-minute blackout is over, Orion will be at an altitude of 150,000 feet (45,720 metres), travelling at a &#8220;very quick&#8221; speed towards the landing site, so the next focus will be on deploying parachutes, Henfling said.\u200b<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id data-event=\"widget_related\">\n<div class=\"c-widget-related__title\"><b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b><\/div>\n<ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\">\n<li class=\"c-widget-related__item\">The most awe-inspiring photographs from NASA\u2019s Artemis II mission so far <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p>Two small drogue parachutes \u2014 designed for deployment from a rapidly moving object \u2014 that are seven metres in diameter will unfurl at an altitude of 25,000 feet (7,620 metres) to slow Orion down to 494 km\/h. Three larger parachutes will slow Orion down even further to 38 km\/h, the speed it will maintain to splash down into the Pacific Ocean.<\/p>\n<p>Once the craft is in the water, a system of five orange airbags will inflate around the top of the spacecraft and will flip it into an upright position, so the crew can get out.<\/p>\n<p>The re-entry will take 13 minutes from start to finish, Henfling said. &#8220;It&#8217;s going to start quickly, and it&#8217;s going to be over even faster,&#8221; he added.<\/p>\n<p>The Artemis II is scheduled to splash down off the coast of San Diego on Friday 10 April at approximately 8:07 p.m. EDT (2:07 a.m. CEST), according to NASA<\/p>\n<p>NASA has some &#8220;contingency&#8221; trajectories, where the crew could be landing further away than planned, based on any problems that might come up during descent, Henfling said.<\/p>\n<h2>What happens after the mission?<\/h2>\n<p>Liliana Villarreal, the Artemis landing and recovery director, is leading a team to sea aboard the USS John P. Murtha, a transport dock ship that will be used to recover the astronauts after their landing.<\/p>\n<p>The ship, along with small boats, will be stationed &#8220;at a safe distance&#8221; away from Orion&#8217;s landing place. After a quick assessment of the air and water around the capsule, the boats will open the Orion hatch and help the astronauts out into an inflatable raft called the &#8220;Front Porch,&#8221; Villarreal said.<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id data-event=\"widget_related\">\n<div class=\"c-widget-related__title\"><b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b><\/div>\n<ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\">\n<li class=\"c-widget-related__item\">Artemis II crew head back towards Earth after completing record-breaking lunar flyby<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p>The astronauts wait on the &#8220;Front Porch&#8221; for two helicopters to come and bring them to medical facilities, where they receive immediate medical checkups.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We expect to recover the crew and deliver them to the medical bay within two hours of splashdown,&#8221; Villarreal said. &#8220;We had a very successful recovery [\u2026] during the Artemis I mission, and we feel confident during our testing and training [\u2026] Artemis II will be just as successful.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>The Orion capsule will be loaded onto the USS John P. Murtha and will return to the closest Navy base within 24 hours after splashdown.<\/p>\n<p>The capsule then undergoes some quick inspections, but it will quickly be loaded onto a truck and driven back to NASA in Florida. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>                          Go to accessibility shortcuts<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-partage-commentaire-share\"><span>Share<\/span><\/span><span>Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-you-might-also-like\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-article-you-might-also-like\">\n<h2 class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__title\">\n        Read more<br \/>\n      <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__container\">\n<article id=\"abe-2884625-pos0-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2884625\" data-cid=\"9714403\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2884625-label-pos0-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/44\/03\/480x270_cmsv2_ce82a301-5e23-51cf-9785-cbb7a5ffcc01-9714403.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Spectators look on from the A. Max Brewer Bridge as NASA's Artemis II moon rocket lifts off on Wednesday 1 April\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Moments<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Space centres and launch sites around the globe you can visit<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2884568-pos1-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2884568\" data-cid=\"9714135\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2884568-label-pos1-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/41\/35\/480x270_cmsv2_ce27f19b-2a37-5deb-a124-ac73a0d40aef-9714135.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Embarrassing moment as Artemis II astronauts give Trump the silent treatment\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Culture news<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Viral dead air: Artemis II astronauts give Trump the silent treatment<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2883262-pos2-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2883262\" data-cid=\"9708089\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2883262-label-pos2-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/70\/80\/89\/480x270_cmsv2_fb0c1297-7d91-5401-80b9-2dacdd12d2ff-9708089.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"European governments, armed forces and societies are making heavy use of space-enabled services, including satellite communications.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe in Motion<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Space defence: How is the EU boosting its military space capabilities?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto\">\n<ul id=\"adb-article-tags\" class=\"c-tags-list\">\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<p>    Space<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<p>    Space mission<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<p>    Artemis II<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"o-article-newsy__aside\">\n<div class=\"c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-1\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-top-stories\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-top-stories\">\n<h2 class=\"c-top-stories__title\">Top stories<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2884836-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884836\" data-cid=\"9715488\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2884836-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/54\/88\/320x180_cmsv2_2de89a84-eddf-5fb5-b03d-1342c71424b2-9715488.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"The Artemis II crew, clockwise from left, Mission Specialist Christina Koch, Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen, Commander Reid Wiseman and Pilot Victor Glover, 7 April 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Making history: Artemis II astronauts reflect on moon mission<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2884312-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884312\" data-cid=\"9712805\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2884312-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/28\/05\/320x180_cmsv2_00801248-1e54-55a3-abe2-ed0cc3d6a84c-9712805.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"On April 4, 2026, NASA astronaut and Artemis II Commander Reid Wiseman peers out of one of the Orion spacecraft\u2019s main cabin windows\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Take a look at the most awe-inspiring images from NASA\u2019s Artemis II<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2884581-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884581\" data-cid=\"9714245\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2884581-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/42\/45\/320x180_cmsv2_78940bf0-a481-5dd3-8e12-103f2b4c244b-9714245.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"FILE - Pages from the Anthropic website and the company's logo are displayed on a computer screen in New York on Feb. 26, 2026. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    What happens when AI becomes too powerful? 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Anthropic is finding out<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">2<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2883059-pos2-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2883059\" data-cid=\"9706957\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Chinese scientists reveal glowing plants that could light cities<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">3<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2877123-pos3-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2877123\" data-cid=\"9679584\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Space systems: Prepared or at risk? |Euronews Tech Talks Podcast<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">4<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2884312-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884312\" data-cid=\"9712805\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Take a look at the most awe-inspiring images from NASA\u2019s Artemis II<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">5<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2884836-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884836\" data-cid=\"9715488\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Making history: Artemis II astronauts reflect on moon mission<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-3\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2884625-pos0-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2884625\" data-cid=\"9714403\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2884625-label-pos0-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/44\/03\/480x270_cmsv2_ce82a301-5e23-51cf-9785-cbb7a5ffcc01-9714403.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Spectators look on from the A. Max Brewer Bridge as NASA's Artemis II moon rocket lifts off on Wednesday 1 April\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Moments<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Space centres and launch sites around the globe you can visit<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2884568-pos1-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2884568\" data-cid=\"9714135\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2884568-label-pos1-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/41\/35\/480x270_cmsv2_ce27f19b-2a37-5deb-a124-ac73a0d40aef-9714135.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Embarrassing moment as Artemis II astronauts give Trump the silent treatment\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Culture news<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Viral dead air: Artemis II astronauts give Trump the silent treatment<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2883262-pos2-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2883262\" data-cid=\"9708089\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2883262-label-pos2-c-article-you-might-also-like__item\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/70\/80\/89\/480x270_cmsv2_fb0c1297-7d91-5401-80b9-2dacdd12d2ff-9708089.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"European governments, armed forces and societies are making heavy use of space-enabled services, including satellite communications.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe in Motion<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Space defence: How is the EU boosting its military space capabilities?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2884836-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884836\" data-cid=\"9715488\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2884836-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/54\/88\/320x180_cmsv2_2de89a84-eddf-5fb5-b03d-1342c71424b2-9715488.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"The Artemis II crew, clockwise from left, Mission Specialist Christina Koch, Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen, Commander Reid Wiseman and Pilot Victor Glover, 7 April 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Making history: Artemis II astronauts reflect on moon mission<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2884312-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884312\" data-cid=\"9712805\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2884312-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/28\/05\/320x180_cmsv2_00801248-1e54-55a3-abe2-ed0cc3d6a84c-9712805.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"On April 4, 2026, NASA astronaut and Artemis II Commander Reid Wiseman peers out of one of the Orion spacecraft\u2019s main cabin windows\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Take a look at the most awe-inspiring images from NASA\u2019s Artemis II<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2884581-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884581\" data-cid=\"9714245\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2884581-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/42\/45\/320x180_cmsv2_78940bf0-a481-5dd3-8e12-103f2b4c244b-9714245.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"FILE - Pages from the Anthropic website and the company's logo are displayed on a computer screen in New York on Feb. 26, 2026. \" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    What happens when AI becomes too powerful? Anthropic is finding out<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2877878-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2877878\" data-cid=\"9683091\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2877878-label-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/68\/30\/91\/320x180_cmsv2_53b99ac8-c2f8-5b84-ad3d-41147a375343-9683091.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"File 12.03.2026- Several locations highlighted by Tasnim are in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), and in Tel Aviv, Israel.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Iran threatens Big Tech companies in the Middle East by April 1<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2883059-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2883059\" data-cid=\"9706957\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2883059-label-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/70\/69\/57\/320x180_cmsv2_3e940233-4f2d-5727-8775-49666e2ad3af-9706957.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Genetic engineering creates luminescent plants, bringing &quot;Avatar'' world closer to reality\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Chinese scientists reveal glowing plants that could light cities<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2884581-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884581\" data-cid=\"9714245\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    What happens when AI becomes too powerful? Anthropic is finding out<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2883059-pos2-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2883059\" data-cid=\"9706957\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Chinese scientists reveal glowing plants that could light cities<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2877123-pos3-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2877123\" data-cid=\"9679584\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Space systems: Prepared or at risk? |Euronews Tech Talks Podcast<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2884312-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884312\" data-cid=\"9712805\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Take a look at the most awe-inspiring images from NASA\u2019s Artemis II<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2884836-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--has-related the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2884836\" data-cid=\"9715488\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Making history: Artemis II astronauts reflect on moon mission<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"articleBody\" data-key=\"articleBody\">After a record-breaking week in space, the four astronauts on NASA\u2019s 10-day lunar flyby Artemis II mission are getting ready for the most intense part of their journey: the return to Earth.In 13 minutes, the Orion spacecraft will fall over 400,000 feet (121 kilometres) and travel almost 2,000 miles (3,218 kilometres) over the Pacific Ocean to a special &#8220;splashdown&#8221; site off the coast of California.For almost half of this time, their communication with NASA&#8217;s ground crew will be cut off entirely, and they will endure temperatures up to 2,760 degrees Celsius.Astronaut Victor Glover said he\u2019s been thinking about this re-entry from the Artemis II mission since the day he was selected over three years ago.He described re-entry as &#8220;riding a fireball through the atmosphere&#8221; in a press conference on Wednesday.Here\u2019s a closer look at what the astronauts are doing right now to prepare for their fiery arrival back to Earth, and what comes after.Preparing for descentTo get ready for re-entry, the crew has already carried out a return trajectory correction manoeuvre, a small engine burn to adjust the spacecraft\u2019s trajectory for a more precise route back to Earth, according to Rick Henfling, the director of Artemis II\u2019s entry flight.The astronauts also tested suits that help them combat orthostatic intolerance, a condition that makes it difficult for astronauts to maintain blood pressure and blood flow when standing up after returning from space.On the ninth day of the 10-day flyby, the crew will manually drive the vehicle to centre the Earth in one of the windows and then fly it to an altitude where the tail of the ship points towards the sun, so it can generate more power, Henfling added.Then, on Artemis II\u2019s tenth day, the astronauts get ready for the final descent.About 20 minutes before re-entry, the service module that supported and powered the crew during the mission will separate from Orion. It will eventually burn up in the atmosphere before coming down to Earth on its own.Then, the crew is ready for a last &#8220;raise burn,&#8221; a final opportunity to change the flight path before their descent, which starts southeast of Hawaii and will eventually see them land off the coast of California, Henfling said.The crew then lowers their visors to cover their eyes and will be &#8220;in an isolated environment in their launch and entry suit&#8221; until they reach the Earth\u2019s surface.How will they perform the re-entry?The capsule will re-enter the Earth&#8217;s atmosphere at about 400,000 feet (121,920 metres) and will have to travel 1,950 miles (3,138 kilometres) to its landing site.&#8221;That\u2019s where the fun really begins,&#8221; Henfling said.Only 24 seconds after entering the Earth\u2019s atmosphere, Orion will hit a &#8220;blackout,&#8221; when plasma builds up around the spacecraft, which will cut the communications between the astronauts and NASA control for about six minutes.Orion has the world\u2019s largest heat shield on its body, which will protect the astronauts from the extreme heat and plasma.After the six-minute blackout is over, Orion will be at an altitude of 150,000 feet (45,720 metres), travelling at a &#8220;very quick&#8221; speed towards the landing site, so the next focus will be on deploying parachutes, Henfling said.Two small drogue parachutes \u2014 designed for deployment from a rapidly moving object \u2014 that are seven metres in diameter will unfurl at an altitude of 25,000 feet (7,620 metres) to slow Orion down to 494 km\/h. Three larger parachutes will slow Orion down even further to 38 km\/h, the speed it will maintain to splash down into the Pacific Ocean.Once the craft is in the water, a system of five orange airbags will inflate around the top of the spacecraft and will flip it into an upright position, so the crew can get out.The re-entry will take 13 minutes from start to finish, Henfling said. &#8220;It&#8217;s going to start quickly, and it&#8217;s going to be over even faster,&#8221; he added.The Artemis II is scheduled to splash down off the coast of San Diego on Friday 10 April at approximately 8:07 p.m. EDT (2:07 a.m. CEST), according to NASANASA has some &#8220;contingency&#8221; trajectories, where the crew could be landing further away than planned, based on any problems that might come up during descent, Henfling said.What happens after the mission?Liliana Villarreal, the Artemis landing and recovery director, is leading a team to sea aboard the USS John P. Murtha, a transport dock ship that will be used to recover the astronauts after their landing.The ship, along with small boats, will be stationed &#8220;at a safe distance&#8221; away from Orion&#8217;s landing place. After a quick assessment of the air and water around the capsule, the boats will open the Orion hatch and help the astronauts out into an inflatable raft called the &#8220;Front Porch,&#8221; Villarreal said.The astronauts wait on the &#8220;Front Porch&#8221; for two helicopters to come and bring them to medical facilities, where they receive immediate medical checkups.&#8221;We expect to recover the crew and deliver them to the medical bay within two hours of splashdown,&#8221; Villarreal said. &#8220;We had a very successful recovery [\u2026] during the Artemis I mission, and we feel confident during our testing and training [\u2026] Artemis II will be just as successful.&#8221;The Orion capsule will be loaded onto the USS John P. Murtha and will return to the closest Navy base within 24 hours after splashdown.The capsule then undergoes some quick inspections, but it will quickly be loaded onto a truck and driven back to NASA in Florida.\u00a0<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/next\/2026\/04\/09\/riding-a-fireball-through-atmosphere-how-artemis-ii-astronauts-will-return-to-earth&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/71\/09\/31\/1200x675_cmsv2_da621482-8fd9-556d-afe2-5585755f18c3-9710931.jpg&#8221;] United Arab Emirates UAE urges full compliance from Iran following ceasefire announcement Europe News EU rejects Trump&#8217;s &#8216;joint venture&#8217; to charge ships through Hormuz The Cube Fact-checking JD Vance&#8217;s claims that Brussels is &#8216;harming Hungary&#8217; Europe News MEPs warn of \u2018serious risks\u2019 to Hungary election United Arab Emirates UAE urges full compliance [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[90],"tags":[226,36],"class_list":["post-1874134","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-international","tag-crawlmanager","tag-euronews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1874134","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1874134"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1874134\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1874134"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1874134"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1874134"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}