The crew of Artemis II is accelerating as their Orion spacecraft progresses on its journey back to Earth. Waking up 322,316 kilometers from Earth and 134,459 kilometers from the moon, the crew members were greeted with Queen and David Bowie’s “Under Pressure” on Wednesday. Commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, and mission specialists Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen spent the day running essential tests in preparation for their upcoming splashdown in the Pacific Ocean on Friday.
During an evening press conference, the astronauts discussed their mental preparedness for the return journey. Glover shared his thoughts on the imminent splashdown, mentioning that the experience has yet to fully sink in but expressed eagerness to share more about their adventure. Wiseman recounted witnessing the Earth’s eclipse from the spacecraft, describing it as an awe-inspiring moment when their home planet disappeared behind the moon.
Koch reflected on the camaraderie experienced during the mission, emphasizing the unique teamwork dynamic that has been a highlight for her. The crew members engaged in various tasks onboard, ensuring everything is secured for their return. Hansen highlighted the importance of finding joy and unity as humans, emphasizing the significance of collaboration over destruction.
In a separate update, NASA officials provided details on the spacecraft’s trajectory and preparations for re-entry. The crew is set to reach a maximum speed of 38,366 km/h before descending back to Earth. Parachutes will be deployed to slow down the spacecraft during the descent, with crew members evaluating equipment to aid their transition back to Earth’s gravity.
The crew also received a video call from Canadian officials, including Prime Minister Mark Carney and Industry Minister Mélanie Joly, showing support and admiration for their mission. Artemis II recently set a record for the farthest distance traveled by humans from Earth, surpassing the previous record set by Apollo 13 in 1970.
As the mission nears its conclusion, preparations are underway for the splashdown in the Pacific Ocean. The crew is expected to undergo medical evaluations post-flight to ensure their well-being. Despite favorable weather conditions and the spacecraft’s good condition, officials stress the importance of meticulous coordination to ensure a safe and successful landing.
The mission control team is fully engaged in the final stages of the mission, with a focus on the crew’s safe return home. NASA officials underscore the significance of the remaining tasks to ensure a successful conclusion to the historic Artemis II mission.