The Artemis 2 crew has returned to Earth after a successful splashdown in the Pacific Ocean, marking the first human lunar voyage in over 50 years. Mission entry flight director Rick Henfling confirmed the crew is 'happy and healthy' following the landing, noting that pilot Victor Glover was smiling and in good spirits.
The four-person crew — Commander Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canada's Jeremy Hansen — re-entered Earth's atmosphere at Mach 33, a speed not seen since the Apollo missions. Their Orion capsule, Integrity, descended under fully automated control, providing sweeping views of the Moon's far side and a total solar eclipse during the record-setting flyby.
While the mission was largely successful, NASA officials highlighted a non-critical helium leak in the Orion spacecraft's propulsion system during the lunar flyby. Orion program manager Howard Hu stated that the issue would be investigated and changes made if necessary. Hu also expressed immense pride, comparing the mission's success to inspiring future generations.
The crew is undergoing routine medical checks after 10 days in microgravity and will return to Houston for reunions with their families. A press conference is expected later today. Artemis 2 was a crewed flyby test, paving the way for future missions including Artemis 3 (2025), Artemis 4 (2028), and eventually a permanent Moon base.
