10 Awesome Photos That Tell the Story of Artemis II’s Triumphant Return to Earth

The Artemis II mission arrived back on Earth on Friday in what NASA calls a “textbook splashdown.” The Orion spacecraft was photographed as it parachuted down into the Pacific Ocean, while the crew was later seen beaming with smiles after a successful mission.

There have been many iconic photos already from the historic Artemis II mission, which saw humans return to the vicinity of the Moon for the first time since the 1970s, including a solar eclipse, close-up photos of the Moon, and beautiful “Earthset” photos.

But arguably the most perilous phase of the mission was the return to Earth, which saw the Orion spacecraft withstand extreme heat and violent deceleration as it re-entered Earth’s atmosphere with the crew onboard. Here are 10 photos that documented the final stage of the mission.

Artemis II Re-entry as Seen by the ISS

The wispy trail seen in this photo is what astronaut Chris Williams onboard the International Space Station saw of Artemis’ re-entry.

“We first saw a bright light and a trail as the service module burned up. We didn’t see the Orion capsule itself as it re-entered, but we saw the wispy trail it left behind in the upper atmosphere. Overjoyed that our friends are safely back on Earth after their awe-inspiring mission!” Williams writes on X.

The Orion Spacecraft Parachutes Down

Land and sea in sight: The Orion spacecraft serenely parachutes down to the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California.

The exact moment the capsule touches down in the Pacific Ocean.

Recovery team approach the Orion spacecraft.

Recovery of the Orion Spacecraft

This still really does look like a scene from a science-fiction film: the Orion Spacecraft is pulled into the well deck of USS John P. Murtha. | NASA/Joel Kowsky

Mission specialist Christina Koch hugs the Orion spacecraft that brought her safely home. | NASA/Bill Ingalls

Commander of the Artemis II mission, Reid Wiseman, points to the Orion spacecraft emblazoned with the NASA and American flag. | NASA/Bill Ingalls

A Joyful Reunion

Artemis II crew members Victor Glover and Christina Koch embrace Chief of the Astronaut Office Chris Tingle standing next to a Navy MH-60 Seahawk from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23 on the flight deck of USS John P. Murtha after being extracted from the Orion spacecraft.

The Artemis II crew members celebrate at a crew return event in Houston, Texas.

For more amazing Artemis photos, check out the launch in infrared.

Image credits: Photographs by NASA