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USS John P. Murtha to Recover Artemis II Astronauts This Week

4/7/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The USS John P. Murtha will recover NASA's Artemis II astronauts after their spacecraft splashes down off the coast later this week.
The Navy confirmed sailors have trained extensively for this mission, set for Friday at 5 p.m.
A Navy helicopter squadron will track the capsule and divers will recover it from the ocean.
Captain Erik Kenny (U.S. Navy) stated the mission honors Congressman John P. Murtha's legacy.

History

Historical Context

The Apollo 11 mission in 1969 marked a historic achievement in space exploration, with Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landing on the Moon. Today, NASA's Artemis II mission, set for recovery by the USS John P. Murtha, continues this legacy. This collaboration between NASA and the U.S. Navy highlights their enduring partnership in advancing human spaceflight and recovery operations.

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Story summary

The USS John P. Murtha will recover NASA's Artemis II astronauts after their spacecraft splashes down off the coast later this week.
The Navy confirmed sailors have trained extensively for this mission, set for Friday at 5 p.m.
A Navy helicopter squadron will track the capsule and divers will recover it from the ocean.
Captain Erik Kenny (U.S. Navy) stated the mission honors Congressman John P. Murtha's legacy.

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