Artemis II returns to Earth

The Orion capsule carrying four astronauts safely returned to Earth on Friday, splashing down off the coast of San Diego.

This milestone achievement concludes a 10-day journey that saw humanity travel farther from Earth than ever before.

The mission tested critical deep-space systems and heat shield durability during a high-speed reentry through the atmosphere.

NASA officials and global partners are now analyzing the data to pave the way for future lunar settlements.