Artemis II Crew Returns to Houston After Moon Mission

HOUSTON - The Artemis II astronauts returned to a hero's welcome in Houston on Saturday, capping a nearly 10-day mission that marked humanity's first crewed voyage to the moon in more than 50 years and set new records for deep space travel.

Commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, mission specialist Christina Koch and mission specialist Jeremy Hansen splashed down in the Pacific Ocean off San Diego on Friday evening aboard their Orion capsule. Military helicopters lifted them from an inflatable raft to the recovery ship USS John P. Murtha for medical checks before they flew to Ellington Field near NASA's Johnson Space Center. Hundreds gathered in a hangar for the homecoming, including NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, flight directors, high-ranking military officers, members of Congress and the full astronaut corps, both active and retired.

After brief reunions with spouses and children, the crew took the stage amid standing ovations and cheers. "Welcome home, Artemis II," Isaacman announced, adding, "The long wait is over. After a brief 53-year intermission, the show goes on." The event coincided with the 56th anniversary of Apollo 13's launch, a mission that overcame near...