Artemis II Astronauts Return from Historic Lunar Mission

Wed Apr 15 2026 15:50:33 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

As the Artemis II crew approaches Earth, they reflect on their groundbreaking journey around the moon and prepare for a dramatic reentry.

The Artemis II astronauts, just days away from splashing down back on Earth, describe their lunar voyage as both surreal and extraordinary. Having become the most distant humans in history, they convey their eagerness to share their experiences and data from their remarkable journey. Their reentry into the atmosphere promises to be as thrilling as the launch itself.

HOUSTON (AP) — As the Artemis II astronauts near their homecoming, they are busy preparing their lunar cruiser for a dramatic ‘fireball’ reentry. Reflecting on their profound journey around the moon, they describe the experience as surreal.

With just under 150,000 miles (240,000 kilometers) left until their return, the astronauts, marking humanity's first lunar exploration in over fifty years, share their eagerness to bring back vital data and stories from their mission.

We have to get back. There’s so much data that you’ve seen already, but all the good stuff is coming back with us. There are so many more pictures, so many more stories,” stated pilot Victor Glover, who added that “riding a fireball through the atmosphere is profound as well.”

Commander Reid Wiseman expressed the surreal nature of their moments behind the moon, where they were cut off from communication for nearly an hour, describing it as a true gift during their first press conference since liftoff.

Having reached a record distance of 252,756 miles (406,771 kilometers) from Earth while behind the moon on Monday, the astronauts were rewarded with a breathtaking total solar eclipse as the moon obscured the sun from their perspective. Glover described this event as a consolation prize that highlighted the rarity of their experience.

The astronauts are set to reenter the atmosphere on Friday, which is said to be as dynamic and dangerous as their launch. Their spacecraft, the Orion capsule, is expected to hit the atmosphere at a speed near 23,840 mph (38,367 kph), prompting focused monitoring from Mission Control.

NASA has made adjustments to ensure the spacecraft’s heat shield is prepared for reentry, as prior tests revealed unexpected damage. The upcoming Artemis III and Artemis IV missions are planned to further explore lunar landing capabilities and build towards a sustainable lunar base.

NASA's Lakiesha Hawkins acknowledged the risks associated with the mission, especially as they approach its conclusion. “We’re down to the wire now,” she remarked. “Obviously getting the crew back home and safely landing them is a significant risk that’s still in front of us.”