Artemis II Spacecraft to Splash Down in Ocean Near San Diego

NASA and Navy crews prepare for the return of the Orion spacecraft from its historic lunar orbit mission.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 9:51pm

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A highly structured abstract painting in soft, earthy tones, featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise botanical spirals, conceptually representing the complex forces and processes involved in the Artemis II spacecraft's return to Earth.The Artemis II spacecraft's ocean splashdown represents the intricate interplay of technology, safety, and exploration as NASA and the U.S. Navy collaborate to bring the crew home.San Diego Today

The Artemis II space mission has been a resounding success, with the four-person crew aboard the Orion spacecraft capturing unprecedented images of the far side of the moon. As the mission comes to an end, the Orion spacecraft is scheduled to return to Earth on Friday, splashing down in the ocean near San Diego, where NASA and Naval Recovery crews are waiting to retrieve the astronauts.

Why it matters

Splashing down in the ocean provides a safer and more controlled landing for the Orion spacecraft compared to landing on land. The ocean offers a liquid cushion to absorb the impact, and the military presence allows for secure recovery operations away from the public.

The details

The Navy divers will first assess the environment around the capsule to ensure there are no hazards present. They will then stabilize the Orion spacecraft by installing an inflatable collar before the astronauts exit the capsule in the open water. The astronauts will be transported to a medical bay on a naval ship for a post-mission evaluation before being flown to the Johnson Space Center.

  • The Orion spacecraft is scheduled to return to Earth on Friday, April 11, 2026.
  • The last time humans landed on the moon was during the Apollo 17 mission in 1972, when the four-person crew splashed down in the Pacific Ocean.

The players

NASA

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the United States government agency responsible for the Artemis space program and the Orion spacecraft.

U.S. Navy

The military branch that will provide the recovery crews and ships to secure the landing area and retrieve the Artemis II astronauts.

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What’s next

After the Orion spacecraft is aboard the naval vessel, NASA technicians will drain any water from the ship before returning to the Naval Base in San Diego.

The takeaway

The Artemis II mission represents a significant milestone in space exploration, with the Orion spacecraft becoming the first to carry humans to orbit the moon in over 50 years. The decision to land the spacecraft in the ocean near San Diego reflects the continued importance of collaboration between NASA and the U.S. military in ensuring the safe recovery of astronauts and spacecraft.