NASA Artemis II Latest News Update: The Artemis II mission is currently on its return journey to Earth after successfully completing a historic lunar flyby on April 06, 2026. The crew on the mission- Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, Mission Specialists Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen, are said to be in "high spirits" as they are embarking on their return journey to Earth after a record-breaking slingshot around the moon, prepare for a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego.
NASA Artemis II Latest News Update: When Will Artemis II Return on Earth?
The return of NASA Artemis II is scheduled on April 10, 2026, at approx. 8:07 PM EDT (5:37 AM, the next day). It will take the astronauts another two days to get back to Earth. NASA said the spacecraft carried out its first thruster burn overnight to correct its path back to Earth.
NASA Artemis II Latest News Update: What is Artemis Spacecraft Mission?
This mission involved the travelling of astronauts further from the Earth than any other human in the history. The aim is to see parts of the moon that no human eye has witnessed before.
The crew has also named certain features on the moon to honour their Orion Spacecraft (CM-003 crew module), and Commander Wiseman's late wife, Carroll.
NASA Artemis II Latest News Update: Artemis Mission Milestones
- Broke the All-Time Distance: On April 06, the crew reached the maximum distance of 252,756 miles, i.e., 406,771 km from Earth. This breaks the record of human spaceflight set in 1970 by Apollo 13.
- Historic Lunar Flyby: The Orion Spacecraft- 'Integrity,' passed approx. 4,067 miles above the lunar surface. During this, the crew witnessed solar eclipse from space as the moon completely blocked the sun.
- Captured Images of 'Earth set:' During this, the astronauts captured stunning images of 'Earth set' (the planet setting behind the lunar limb), and the fair side of the moon.
- Return Correction Burn: On April 07, Orion Spacecraft successfully completed its first return correction burn. A 15-second thruster burn encourage the Orion Spacecraft on course back to Earth.
- Health & Gear Testing: The crew is testing 'orthostatic intolerance garments,' which is a specialised clothing help in maintain blood pressure and circulation as they return to Earth's gravity.
NASA Artemis II Latest News Update: Where Is It Now?
As of April 08, 2026, Artemis II mission is in its final phases as the spacecraft makes its way back to Earth. The crew is currently in the middle of a four-day return trip after exiting the moon's sphere of influence on April 07.
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