NASA\u2019s Artemis\u202fII mission marks the agency\u2019s first crewed lunar flyby in half a century. After a week\u2011long journey that took four astronauts around the far side of the Moon, the Orion crew capsule is now on its final descent back to Earth. Below is everything you need to know about the splashdown \u2013 the exact timing, the recovery operation, where to watch, and answers to the most common questions.<\/p>\n
The mission timeline calls for a return to Earth on April\u202f10<\/strong>. After a series of carefully timed burns, the Orion crew module will separate from the Service Module at 7:33\u202fp.m. Eastern Time (4:33\u202fp.m. Pacific)<\/strong>. This separation is the moment the capsule, which houses the astronauts, detaches from the rest of the launch vehicle and begins its final plunge through the atmosphere.<\/p>\n Following a brief coast phase, the capsule will re\u2011enter Earth\u2019s atmosphere and decelerate under a protective heat shield. The target splashdown time is 8:07\u202fp.m. ET (5:07\u202fp.m. PT)<\/strong>, give or take a few minutes for weather and trajectory adjustments. NASA will provide live updates on its website and social channels as the event unfolds.<\/p>\n The designated recovery zone is a swath of the Pacific Ocean roughly 200 nautical miles south\u2011west of San\u202fDiego, California. This area was selected because of its relatively calm sea conditions, proximity to U.S. Navy assets, and clear line\u2011of\u2011sight to ground\u2011based tracking stations.<\/p>\n NASA\u2019s Pacific Ocean Recovery Team has mapped a precise splashdown corridor that spans about 30 nautical miles. If the capsule lands anywhere within that corridor, the recovery ships and aircraft are already on standby to move in within minutes.<\/p>\n Once the Orion capsule hits the water, a series of automated procedures will deploy three large parachutes to slow the descent to roughly 15\u202fmph. The capsule\u2019s flotation system then inflates, keeping it upright and stable on the surface.<\/p>\n Recovery will be carried out by the USS\u202fJohn\u202fP.\u202fMurtha (LPD\u201126)<\/strong>, a San\u202fDiego\u2011based Navy amphibious transport dock. The ship is equipped with a dedicated medical team, a helicopter deck, and a small fleet of fast\u2011response boats. Here\u2019s what happens next:<\/p>\n The entire recovery process is designed to be completed within 30\u202fminutes of splashdown, ensuring the astronauts receive prompt medical attention and are safely back on land.<\/p>\n NASA will stream the event live on several platforms:<\/p>\nWhere Will Artemis\u202fII Touch Down?<\/h2>\n
How Is the Crew Expected to Be Retrieved?<\/h2>\n
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Where Can You Watch the Splashdown Live?<\/h2>\n