The charred hull of Artemis 2's Orion photo of the day for May 8, 2026
Space • • science
Key Points:
- NASA's Artemis 2 mission launched four astronauts on a 10-day journey around the moon, marking the first human lunar trip since 1972's Apollo mission.
- The crew, aboard the Orion capsule named "Integrity," safely returned to Earth after re-entering the atmosphere at temperatures reaching up to 5,000°F (2,760°C).
- The capsule's heat shield protected the astronauts during the intense descent, though the exterior is visibly charred from the extreme heat.
- The Orion spacecraft now rests at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, serving as a testament to the challenges of safely returning from deep space missions.
