Artemis 2 Splashdown LIVE: The world is preparing to watch a major moment in space history as NASA's Artemis II mission approaches its dramatic return to Earth.
The crew aboard the Orion spacecraft is set to splash down in the Pacific Ocean near San Diego at 8:07 pm ET on Friday, marking the successful end of a landmark lunar flyby mission.
Although the mission did not land on the Moon, it still set a major milestone by taking humans farther from Earth than any mission since the Apollo era.
Artemis 2 Splashdown LIVE: When to Watch Artemis 2 Splashdown Live
NASA will begin live coverage at 6:30 pm ET on Friday, just before the spacecraft enters its final descent toward Earth. Viewers across the globe can follow the event in real time through multiple platforms.
Live streaming start time:
- US (ET): 6:30 pm, Friday
- UK: 11:30 pm, Friday
- India: 4:00 am, Saturday
- Canada: 6:30 pm, Friday
Artemis 2 Splashdown LIVE: Where to Watch Artemis Live Online
NASA is offering free global coverage of the splashdown through its official platforms and partners:
- NASA+
- YouTube (NASA channel): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfhDuOHMp0A
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NASA/
- X: https://x.com/nasa
- NASA App
- Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/nasa
- Amazon Prime: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ZVR87LQ
- Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/in/title/82066548
NASA+ will carry the primary broadcast, while social media feeds will provide live updates, commentary, and mission visuals.
Artemis 2 Splashdown LIVE: How will the Splashdown Happen?
Before reentry, the crew module will detach from its service module, allowing the capsule to face Earth directly. NASA explains the process clearly, "This will expose the crew module's heat shield, which will protect the spacecraft and crew as they make their way back through Earth's atmosphere and temperatures of up to about 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit," NASA explained.
As the spacecraft reenters the atmosphere at extreme speed, it will endure temperatures and pressure similar to Apollo-era missions. The capsule will slow down using a carefully timed parachute system. First, drogue parachutes stabilise the vehicle, followed by pilot parachutes and then three main parachutes that reduce speed to about 17 mph before ocean landing.
Recovery teams from NASA and the US Navy will be stationed in the Pacific Ocean to secure the crew.
Artemis 2 Splashdown LIVE: Record-breaking journey beyond the Moon
During its mission, Artemis II carried astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen farther from Earth than any human crew in more than 50 years.
At its farthest point, the spacecraft reached over 252,000 miles from Earth, surpassing Apollo 13's distance record. The crew also captured rare views of the Moon's far side and experienced a total solar eclipse from space.
Reflecting on the journey, Glover said the experience "just blew all of us away." Glover said.
Artemis 2 Splashdown LIVE: Why this mission matters?
Artemis II serves as a critical test for future deep-space missions, including upcoming Moon landings under NASA's Artemis program. The mission proves life-support systems, heat shield performance, and navigation capabilities for long-duration human spaceflight beyond Earth orbit.