NASA officials have shared their reactions after Artemis II completed its landmark flight and returned safely to Earth.
The Artemis II crew — Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen — set off on a 10-day journey that took them around the Moon, with the mission designed to push human spaceflight farther into deep space than ever before.
On April 11, the capsule made a successful splashdown in the Pacific Ocean and was then lifted out by helicopter.
The astronauts are now being moved toward the coast ahead of their trip back to NASA’s space center in Houston.
Commentary from the recovery broadcast described the return as picture-perfect, with NASA commentator Rob Navias calling it “a perfect bull’s eye splashdown for Integrity and its four astronauts”.
After the crew’s safe return, senior NASA figures spoke about the high-stakes steps required to bring the spacecraft home.
During a press conference, Flight Director Rick Henfling said: “We all breathed a sigh of relief once the (capsule’s) side hatch opened up.
“The flight crew is happy and healthy and ready to come home to Houston.”
Henfling also acknowledged the pressure of the final phase of the mission, adding: “If you didn’t have anxiety bringing this spacecraft home, you probably didn’t have a pulse.”
Elsewhere in the briefing, acting associate administrator Lori Glaze reflected on the broader significance of the flight, saying: “I think they really brought an amazing sense of what we were trying to achieve.
“It was a mission for all of humanity.”
Glaze noted that her standout moment came when Christina Koch appeared after landing, confirming the team had made it back safely.
President Donald Trump also applauded the mission in a post on Truth Social, writing: “Congratulations to the Great and Very Talented Crew of Artemis II.
“The entire trip was spectacular, the landing was perfect and, as President of the United States, I could not be more proud!
“I look forward to seeing you all at the White House soon. We’ll be doing it again and then, next step, Mars!”