In this photo provided by NASA, the Orion spacecraft with Artemis II crewmembers aboard approaches the surface of the Pacific Ocean for splashdown off the coast of California, Friday, April 10, 2026. Source: NASA / Bill Ingalls/AP
NASA’s Artemis II crew has safely returned to Earth after a historic lunar flyby, travelling farther than any humans before. The mission tested deep-space return systems and observed the moon’s south pole, advancing future lunar plans. Officials hailed its success, with goals to land astronauts by 2028. Amid global tensions, seasoned astronauts and experts say the achievement offers a rare moment of optimism and renewed focus on space exploration.
NASA’s Artemis II crew has safely returned to Earth after a historic lunar flyby, travelling farther than any humans before. The mission tested deep-space return systems and observed the moon’s south pole, advancing future lunar plans. Officials hailed its success, with goals to land astronauts by 2028. Amid global tensions, seasoned astronauts and experts say the achievement offers a rare moment of optimism and renewed focus on space exploration.
