Splashdown for Artemis II looking good, but NASA monitors Pacific storm that could impact landing
ABC7 Los Angeles • • general
Key Points:
- The Artemis II Orion spacecraft is scheduled to splash down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego on April 10 at approximately 5:07 p.m. PDT, marking the crew's return from orbiting the Moon.
- Weather conditions for the splashdown must meet strict criteria, including wave heights under 6 feet, winds below 28 mph, good visibility, and no thunderstorms or lightning within 35 miles of the landing site.
- Despite an approaching Pacific storm and a cold front near California, forecasts currently indicate favorable weather conditions for a safe splashdown and recovery operation.
- The spacecraft will slow to about 17 mph upon ocean landing due to parachute deployment, and coastal residents may hear a sonic boom as the capsule reenters the atmosphere.
- NASA will finalize and announce the precise splashdown time and location on Thursday to ensure crew safety and efficient recovery efforts.
