Story perspectives
NASA Investigates Orion Heat Shield After Artemis II Splashdown
4/15/2026
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Story summary
- NASA is investigating the Orion heat shield after the Artemis II splashdown.
- Artemis II marked the first crewed lunar flight in more than 50 years.
- NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman stated the white spot on the heat shield aligns with expectations and is not a problem.
- Data collection began after splashdown using divers and aircraft for imaging.
- Previous Artemis I damage prompted a thorough heat shield investigation.
