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Artemis II crew prepares for splashdown

Artemis II crew prepares for splashdown

Following a successful journey that took them further into space than any previous human, the Artemis II crew is bracing for a high-speed re-entry into Earth's atmosphere.

The mission will test the integrity of the Orion capsule's heat shield as it faces temperatures of nearly 2,700°C while traveling at 24,000 mph.

During their final press conference from space, the astronauts described the experience as surreal and profound, emphasizing the unity the mission has brought to a politically divided nation.

NASA is already looking toward Artemis III, which aims to land the first woman and person of color on the lunar surface.