CAPE CANAVERAL, April 9, 2026 The Artemis 2 astronauts, the first humans to venture near the Moon in over 50 years, are preparing for their return to Earth after completing a landmark mission that saw them travel farther from our planet than any humans before. The four-person crew, aboard the Orion capsule propelled by NASA’s Space Launch System rocket, conducted a series of scientific experiments and successfully orbited the Moon before beginning their journey back. Their mission marks a significant milestone in NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the lunar surface by the end of the decade.
## Historic Milestone and Scientific Work The Artemis 2 mission represents the first crewed lunar flyby since Apollo 17 in 1972. During their time near the Moon, the astronauts conducted numerous scientific tests, gathering data that will inform future lunar exploration efforts. The crew was awakened at one point by the song "Under Pressure" by Queen and David Bowie, a nod to the intense scrutiny and expectations surrounding their mission.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney congratulated the crew via live broadcast, highlighting the international collaboration involved in the mission. "This achievement is a testament to what humanity can accomplish when we work together," Carney said.
## Landing Preparations and Mission Details The crew is expected to splash down in the Pacific Ocean on Saturday, with favorable weather conditions forecast for the landing. While their mission did not break the speed record set by Apollo 10—which reached a maximum velocity of 11,094 meters per second—the Artemis 2 astronauts traveled farther from Earth than any previous human spaceflight.
NASA officials have confirmed that the crew will not surpass Apollo 10’s speed record, emphasizing that the focus of the mission was on testing systems and gathering data rather than achieving velocity milestones. The Orion capsule, designed for deep-space exploration, performed flawlessly during the mission, providing critical insights for future Artemis missions, including the planned lunar landing of Artemis 3.
The successful completion of Artemis 2 paves the way for NASA’s broader ambitions, including establishing a sustainable human presence on the Moon and eventually sending astronauts to Mars. The crew’s safe return will mark the end of a mission that has reignited global interest in lunar exploration and demonstrated the capabilities of modern spaceflight technology.
As the astronauts prepare for their final descent, teams on the ground are rehearsing recovery operations to ensure a smooth transition from space to Earth. The mission’s success has already inspired a new generation of space enthusiasts and reaffirmed humanity’s commitment to exploring beyond our planet.