Artemis 2 astronauts celebrate successful return to Earth
By Chelsea Gohd
Published on April 13, 2026.
The crew of NASA's Artemis 2 mission successfully returned to Earth after completing the first crewed mission to the moon since NASA's Apollo program ended in 1972. The team splashed down in the Pacific Ocean after a 10-day mission around the moon, and each member was airlifted onto a U.S. Navy recovery ship. This photo shows the joyous reunion of mission pilot Victor Glover and mission specialist Christina Koch after their return to Earth. The mission was praised for its scientific, technical achievements and its bond with the crew. With the success of Artemis 2, NASA is moving forward towards another crewed lunar mission, Artemis 3.
Related Articles
Artemis 2 commander Reid Wiseman broke NASA protocol to save the mission's moon mascot: 'It's hard not to love this little guy. I can't let Rise out of my sight'
Nasa astronaut Reid Wiseman broke protocol to leave Rise, the moon mascot, in his spacecraft post-splashdown, celebrating his crew's historic journey and personal loss.
Cygnus XL Cargo Craft Approaching Station for Robotic Capture - NASA
The Northrop Grumman's Cygnus XL is approaching the International Space Station for a scheduled robotic capture, with astronauts Jack Hathaway and Chris Williams on board.
Artemis 2 astronauts celebrate successful return to Earth
The crew of NASA's Artemis 2 mission celebrated their successful return to Earth, captured in joyful photos, celebrating their epic journey across the moon and enduring temperatures up to 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit.