Artemis II returns from moon

The Artemis II mission, carrying three Americans and one Canadian, is reaching its critical final phase as the Orion spacecraft prepares for a high-speed reentry into Earth's atmosphere.

Traveling at 32 times the speed of sound, the capsule will test its heat shield against temperatures reaching 2,700 degrees Celsius before landing off the coast of San Diego.

This mission has achieved several historic milestones, including the farthest distance humans have ever traveled from Earth and the first ship-to-ship call from deep space.

Recovery teams from the U.S. Navy are currently in position to secure the crew and the spacecraft following the scheduled 8:07 p.m. ET splashdown.