Back to Earth: What happens to the Artemis II astronauts now?
Back to Earth: What happens to the Artemis II astronauts now?
The Splashdown and Return
The Artemis II crew successfully landed in Earth’s atmosphere at a speed of 25,000mph (40,000km/h), touching down off California’s coast. Their journey marked a new milestone, surpassing the 248,655-mile record set by Apollo 13 in 1970 by more than 4,000 miles. Despite the challenges of space, the astronauts described the experience as the pinnacle of their careers.
Physical Strain and Recovery
Spending time in orbit takes a toll on the body. Muscles and bones weaken without gravity’s constant pull, particularly those supporting posture in the back, neck, and calves. Even rigorous exercise regimens can’t fully counteract this loss, with up to 20% of muscle mass diminishing in just two weeks. However, the Artemis II crew’s shorter mission—comparable to the space shuttle era—means their physical decline will likely be less severe than those on longer stays, such as the International Space Station missions lasting five to six months.
Family Reunions and Emotional Impact
After their return, the astronauts will undergo medical checks on a US naval vessel before being transferred ashore. Their next stop will be NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. Families, including those of Reid Wiseman and Jeremy Hansen, are overjoyed. Dr. Catherine Hansen shared that her children were “so, so excited to see their dad living his dream,” hinting at future celebrations.
Post-Mission Plans and Legacy
While NASA keeps details about the crew’s health and personal lives private, their next steps are clear. The three NASA astronauts remain active with the agency, though specifics of their post-flight activities are undisclosed. The Artemis programme continues with upcoming missions: Artemis III targets 2027, aiming to land humans on the Moon, and Artemis IV is scheduled for 2028. The crew of Artemis II, including the first British astronaut Helen Sharman, has already hinted at their enthusiasm for future endeavors.
Astronauts’ Reflections
“The inconveniences, like freeze-dried meals or a bathroom lacking privacy, were all part of the experience,” said Christina Koch in a pre-landing press conference. “They made the mission worth it.”
Koch also spoke about the emotional weight of Earth’s view from space, noting how the planet’s vastness “emphasised how alike we are, how the same thing keeps every single person on planet Earth alive.” Similarly, Commander Reid Wiseman, who has raised his teenage daughters alone since his wife’s passing in 2020, shared his mission plans with them beforehand, ensuring their well-being in case of the worst.
Presidential Recognition
President Donald Trump, who launched the Artemis programme during his first term in 2017, called the crew while in orbit. He invited them to the White House for a special reception, joking, “I’ll ask for your autograph—because you deserve that.” This gesture underscores the significance of their achievement, even as the team prepares to reintegrate into everyday life.