NASA has unveiled a detailed timeline for the highly anticipated splashdown of the Artemis II mission, marking a critical phase in the astronauts' return to Earth. The spacecraft is scheduled to land in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego, California, concluding a monumental journey of 694,481 miles.
Key Re-Entry Milestones and Procedures
The re-entry process involves several precise steps to ensure a safe return for the crew. At 7:33 pm EDT (12:33 am BST), Orion's crew module will separate from the service module, exposing its heat shield. This shield is essential for protecting the spacecraft as it re-enters Earth's atmosphere, where temperatures are expected to reach approximately 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
Critical Maneuvers and Atmospheric Entry
Following the separation, at 7:37 pm EDT (12:37 am BST), Orion will execute an 18-second crew module raise burn. This maneuver is designed to set the correct entry angle and align the heat shield properly for atmospheric interface. By 7:53 pm EDT (12:53 am BST), the spacecraft will reach 400,000 feet above Earth's surface, traveling at nearly 35 times the speed of sound.
During this phase, the crew is projected to experience up to 3.9 Gs in the planned entry profile. This moment signifies Orion's first contact with the upper atmosphere and initiates a planned six-minute communications blackout. The blackout occurs as plasma builds around the capsule, temporarily disrupting signal transmission.
Parachute Deployment and Splashdown
As Orion descends, at 8:03 pm EDT (1:03 am BST), drogue parachutes will deploy at an altitude of around 22,000 feet. These parachutes serve to slow and stabilize the capsule as it approaches splashdown. Subsequently, at 8:04 pm EDT (1:04 am BST), the drogues will release, and three main parachutes will deploy at approximately 6,000 feet, reducing Orion's speed to less than 136 mph.
Finally, at 8:07 pm EDT (1:07 am BST), Orion will slow to 20 mph and splash down in the Pacific Ocean near San Diego. This event completes the Artemis II crew's return to Earth, capping off their historic mission. The detailed timeline underscores the complexity and precision required in space missions, highlighting NASA's advancements in crewed space exploration.
