Four astronauts from NASA’s Artemis II mission returned safely after a complex re-entry and splashdown in the Pacific Ocean. The Orion capsule faced extreme heat and a brief signal loss during descent. Commander Reid Wiseman said, “Houston, Integrity here. We hear you loud and clear” after contact resumed. Parachutes deployed smoothly, leading to what NASA called a “perfect” landing. The crew — Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen — are recovering on a naval ship. NASA said the mission helps prepare for future human landings on the Moon. (PC: BBC)

NASA’s Artemis II mission successfully withstood extreme re-entry conditions, as the Orion capsule endured temperatures of nearly 5,000°F (2,760°C) while returning to Earth. The fiery descent, lasting around 13 minutes, marked the most dangerous phase of the mission, testing the spacecraft’s heat shield under real conditions. Engineers had earlier raised concerns after damage was observed during Artemis I, prompting trajectory adjustments to reduce heat stress. Despite risks, the capsule performed as expected, protecting the crew and ensuring a safe splashdown. The success validates NASA’s design improvements and is seen as a major step forward for future lunar missions. (PC: Reuters)

NASA’s Artemis II astronauts successfully splashed down in the Pacific Ocean, concluding a nearly 10-day mission around the Moon—the first crewed lunar journey in over 50 years. The Orion spacecraft re-entered Earth’s atmosphere at extreme speeds before deploying parachutes for a safe landing off the California coast. The four-member crew travelled over 694,000 miles, setting new deep-space records and testing critical systems like the heat shield and life support. The mission marks a major milestone in NASA’s Artemis programme, paving the way for future lunar landings and long-term human exploration, including planned missions to the Moon and eventually Mars. 

NASA’s Artemis-2 astronauts are set to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere at unprecedented speeds of nearly 40,000 km/h, making it the fastest human return ever. The extreme velocity is due to their deep-space trajectory around the Moon, which accelerates the spacecraft using lunar gravity. During reentry, the Orion capsule will face intense heat generated mainly by air compression, not friction, creating temperatures of thousands of degrees. This phase also causes a temporary communication blackout due to plasma formation. Despite advanced heat shields and “skip reentry” techniques, the process remains highly risky and is considered the mission’s most dangerous stage. (PC: NASA)

NASA has released new images from the Artemis II Moon fly-by. Astronauts captured a rare “Earthset” view, showing Earth rising beyond the Moon’s surface. Another image showed a solar eclipse as the Moon blocked the Sun. The photos were taken during a six-hour fly-by. Astronauts experienced a short period of radio silence behind the Moon. One astronaut described the view as unreal and like science fiction. The images remind people of the famous Earthrise photo from 1968. They show Earth’s beauty and the vast darkness of space around it. (PC: NASA)

The Orion spacecraft successfully re-established contact with Mission Control after a 40-minute communication blackout during the Artemis II. The signal was regained at 5:12 a.m. IST as the capsule emerged from behind the Moon’s far side, where its bulk had blocked all transmissions with Earth. The four astronauts, who have travelled farther than any humans before, expressed relief upon reconnecting, with one remarking it was “so great to hear from Earth again.” The moment marked a critical milestone in the mission, highlighting both the challenges of deep-space travel and the success of communication tracking systems. (PC: NASA)

During the Artemis II journey, astronauts will face a 40-minute communication blackout as their Orion spacecraft passes behind the Moon, blocking signals with Earth. This moment of isolation echoes past missions like Apollo 11, when Michael Collins experienced similar solitude. While mission control awaits anxiously, teams track the spacecraft’s position. Astronauts will use the time for lunar observation and reflection. Experts highlight the need for continuous communication systems, with initiatives like Moonlight programme aiming to prevent future blackouts as lunar exploration expands toward sustained human presence. (PC: NASA)

The Artemis II astronauts entered the Moon’s gravitational sphere early Monday, advancing toward a record-breaking distance from Earth. Flying aboard the Orion spacecraft, the crew is set to reach about 252,757 miles from Earth, surpassing the Apollo 13 record by 4,102 miles. Astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen will fly around the Moon’s far side, experiencing communication blackouts. The mission, a key step in Artemis program, aims to return humans to the lunar surface by 2028 and build a sustained presence for future Mars exploration. (PC: Reuters)

Astronauts on Artemis II will lose contact with Earth for about 40 minutes as their spacecraft passes behind the Moon. The Moon blocks radio and laser signals, cutting links with mission control. NASA teams will not be able to communicate during this period. Pilot Victor Glover said, “Let’s pray, hope, send your good thoughts.” The moment is similar to past missions like Apollo 11. Astronaut Michael Collins once said he felt “truly alone” during such blackout. Teams on Earth will wait for signals to return. (PC: BBC)

Astronauts aboard Artemis II have seen the far side of the Moon for the first time and called the view “absolutely spectacular”.   The crew includes Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen. They are travelling aboard the Orion spacecraft.   Koch said, “Something about you senses that is not the Moon that I’m used to seeing.”   The team shared images of the Orientale basin. NASA said it is the first time the full area has been seen by humans.   The spacecraft is now over 2,89,000 km from Earth.