Astronauts from Artemis II have started their long journey back to Earth after a historic trip around the Moon. At 10:55 pm IST, the Orion spacecraft exited the Moon's sphere of influence, the region where the Moon's gravity is strongest.
After using the Moon's gravity like a slingshot to gain speed, the spacecraft is now mainly under Earth's gravitational pull.
What Happens Next for the Crew?
The astronauts are now in a three-day journey back to Earth. During this time, they will prepare for reentry into Earth's atmosphere. They will perform small engine burns to adjust their path and make sure the spacecraft enters at the correct angle.
If the angle is too shallow, the capsule could bounce off the atmosphere. If it is too steep, it could face extreme heat and danger.
How Will the Spacecraft Return?
The final stage of the mission will happen on April 10 and will be the most challenging. The Orion spacecraft will enter Earth's atmosphere at around 40,000 km/h. To handle extreme heat (about 2,760°C), it will use a "skip reentry" method.
This means the spacecraft will briefly dip into the atmosphere, come out, and then enter again. This helps reduce pressure on the crew and ensures a safer landing.
Where Will the Astronauts Land?
The mission will end with a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean near San Diego at around 5:37 am IST on April 11. A recovery team from the US Navy, led by the USS John P Murtha, is ready at the site. After landing, divers will secure the capsule and help the astronauts safely onto the ship.
Mission Significance
This mission marks the successful completion of the first human journey to the Moon region in more than 50 years, making it a major milestone in space exploration.