How Recovery Personnel Will Secure Artemis II Capsule at Sea After Splashdown
The New York Times • • general
Key Points:
- The Artemis II spacecraft has successfully splashed down in the Pacific Ocean near San Diego, completing a critical phase of the mission.
- Five airbags on the Orion capsule inflated post-splashdown to stabilize and reorient the spacecraft, ensuring safety amid rough sea conditions.
- NASA and U.S. Navy recovery teams are actively tracking the capsule and parachutes, with Navy divers preparing to assist the astronauts' safe exit.
- The four astronauts will be lifted individually by helicopter to the U.S.S. John P. Murtha, where they will undergo medical evaluations before returning to shore.
- The Orion capsule and other recovered hardware will be secured, towed to the ship, and eventually transported back to NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.
