Artemis II: NASA releases first images of Orion splashdown after historical moon mission
NASA has released the first images of the Artemis II crew inside the Orion spacecraft returning to Earth following a spectacular journey around the moon.
The Orion splashed down in the Pacific Ocean at 8.07am Perth time on Saturday with NASA labelling the landing as “textbook” and a “perfect bullseye”.
The four astronauts — commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover and specialists Jeremy Hensen and Christina Koch — were one by one led out of the capsule about one hour after it splashed down off the Californian coast.
They are all doing okay and are undergoing a medical evaluation aboard the Navy ship USS John P Murtha.
Here are some incredible photos of the splash down and recovery of the Orion and the crew taken by NASA photographers.
NASA astronaut Reid Wiseman, Artemis II commander celebrated his arrival. Picture: NASA/Bill Ingalls/(NASA/Bill Ingalls)
NASA astronaut Victor Glover, Artemis II pilot was in high spirits. Picture: NASA/Bill Ingalls/(NASA/Bill Ingalls)
NASA astronaut Christina Koch, Artemis II mission specialist assisted off the flight deck after arriving aboard USS John P. Murtha. Picture: NASA/Bill Ingalls/(NASA/Bill Ingalls)
NASA astronaut Victor Glover, Artemis II pilot was all smiles. Picture: NASA/Bill Ingalls/(NASA/Bill Ingalls)
NASA astronaut Victor Glover, Artemis II pilot, left, and NASA astronaut Christina Koch, Artemis II mission specialist. Picture: NASA/Bill Ingalls/(NASA/Bill Ingalls)
NASA astronaut Reid Wiseman, Artemis II commander, hugged NASA flight surgeon Richard Scheuring. Picture: NASA/Bill Ingalls/(NASA/Bill Ingalls)
