How to watch artemis 2 splashdown: NASA’s Artemis II mission is approaching its final phase. The mission has become a defining moment in modern space exploration, signalling humanity’s return to deep space after decades.
When the Splashdown Happens
The Orion capsule is set to reenter Earth’s atmosphere on Friday evening and is expected to splash down in the Pacific Ocean near San Diego, California, at 8:07 pm EDT on April 10 (5:37 am IST on April 11). NASA’s broadcast will track the spacecraft during reentry, descent, and landing as the astronauts wrap up a nearly 10-day expedition that carried humans farther from Earth than ever before.
Crew Details
The four astronauts Victor Glover, Reid Wiseman, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen have set a new benchmark in human spaceflight. Their journey surpassed the distance record earlier held by the Apollo 13 crew.
Throughout the mission, they collected extensive details and captured thousands of photographs, contributing valuable insights for future exploration beyond Earth’s orbit.
On their final complete day, the astronauts began their morning with “Lonesome Drifter” by Charley Crockett, while heading back toward Earth from a distance of 147,337 miles.
How to Watch Artemis II Splashdown
Viewers around the world have several options to follow the final moments of this historic mission live.
Streaming Platforms
- Netflix
- Amazon Prime Video
- HBO Max
- Peacock
- Discovery+
Official Channels
- NASA’s YouTube channel
- NASA+ via Apple TV, Roku, and Amazon devices
Why This Landing Matters
The Artemis II astronauts are returning after becoming the first humans in more than 50 years to undertake a lunar mission profile. During the expedition, they travelled over a quarter-million miles from Earth and observed the Moon’s far side in ways never directly experienced before.
Now, the most crucial stage begins. Atmospheric reentry is widely regarded as the most hazardous segment of the mission. The spacecraft will face intense heat while entering the upper atmosphere at speeds nearing 25,000 mph, depending on its heat shield and precisely timed parachutes to ensure a safe ocean landing.
A Mission That Sets the Stage for the Future
In a matter of hours, the Artemis II astronauts will complete a mission that has captivated millions. They have travelled over a quarter-million miles from Earth, witnessing the Moon’s far side in person, something no human has experienced in over five decades.
As the world watches their return, this mission stands as a crucial step toward a potential Moon landing later this decade and, ultimately, human missions to Mars.
The countdown to splashdown has begun and history is about to unfold once again.
FAQs:
Q1. What is the Artemis II mission?
It is NASA’s first crewed mission under the Artemis programme. The mission involves sending astronauts around the Moon and back.
Q2. When will the splashdown occur?
The splashdown is scheduled for April 10 at approximately 8:07 p.m. ET. This corresponds to early morning hours in India on April 11.
