Artemis II trajectory burn and return to Earth

Artemis II crew fires thrusters on final approach to Earth

Inside the Orion spacecraft, thrusters fire to align the trajectory while the crew confirms burn completion and sends gratitude to international teams who made the lunar mission possible.

Artemis II Final Burn Before Reentry

Earth glowing inside the Artemis II cabin

An Artemis II astronaut describes how the vibrant blue glow of Earth is streaming through the capsule window and illuminating the entire cabin.

Earth Lights Up the Artemis II Capsule

Mission control executes the critical separation sequence, sending pyrotechnic debris and ice crystals flying past the camera as the crew module flies solo.

Artemis II Service Module Jettisons in Space

As the spacecraft heads back toward Earth, an astronaut remarks on the shrinking Moon, prompting mission control to joke that they will just have to go back.

Astronauts Say Farewell to the Moon

A high-altitude camera view from Orion shows the bright blue curve of Earth as the spacecraft plunges toward atmospheric entry at hypersonic velocity.

Stunning View of Earth Before Atmospheric Re-entry

During the six-minute communications blackout, an airborne tracking camera spots the glowing capsule piercing through extreme atmospheric heating.

Tracking Orion as a Blazing Fireball in the Sky

Houston Mission Control makes contact with the Artemis II capsule following re-entry blackout, confirming nominal trajectory to cheers in mission control.

Artemis II Re-establishes Comms Post-Blackout

The Orion Integrity capsule touches down in the ocean, successfully completing a 694,000-mile voyage around the Moon and returning its crew home.

Historic Artemis II Splashdown in the Pacific

First astronaut steps out after lunar orbit!

Navy recovery teams open the spacecraft hatch in open water, helping the first astronaut onto the recovery raft to thunderous applause in Houston Mission Control.

First Artemis II Astronaut Exits Capsule Integrity

First steps back on Earth after a journey around the Moon

Jeremy Hansen and Christina Koch take their first steps across the flight deck to cheers and applause from personnel on board.

Jeremy Hansen and Christina Koch Walk the Flight Deck

[02:33] Artemis II Final Burn Before Reentry
[08:03] Earth Lights Up the Artemis II Capsule
[13:27] Artemis II Service Module Jettisons in Space
[15:57] Astronauts Say Farewell to the Moon
[18:46] Stunning View of Earth Before Atmospheric Re-entry
[20:35] Tracking Orion as a Blazing Fireball in the Sky
[22:38] Artemis II Re-establishes Comms Post-Blackout
[27:45] Historic Artemis II Splashdown in the Pacific
[35:21] First Artemis II Astronaut Exits Capsule Integrity
[43:26] Jeremy Hansen and Christina Koch Walk the Flight Deck

Artemis II trajectory burn and return to Earth

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