Artemis II Orion Capsule Returns to Kennedy Space Center

NASA's Orion capsule from the Artemis II mission returned to Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Tuesday, almost a month after launching on the first crewed trip around the Moon in more than 50 years.

The spacecraft, which carried four astronauts deeper into space than any humans before, splashed down in the Pacific Ocean on April 10 following a nearly 10-day voyage. It was then transported by truck from San Diego to Cape Canaveral for detailed post-flight analysis. Engineers plan to inspect the capsule's heat shield closely, along with other components, to prepare for the Artemis III mission next year. Electronic boxes and research equipment will be removed for recycling.

The capsule, nicknamed Integrity by its crew, performed reliably overall during the flight, according to NASA officials, despite issues with a toilet system. Commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, mission specialist Christina Koch and mission specialist Jeremy Hansen of Canada completed the journey successfully. The astronauts underwent medical exams and debriefings after splashdown before beginning a well-deserved rest period.

"Been waiting for this moment," Wiseman posted on X late last week, sharing a...