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Artemis II Returns Four Astronauts Safely, Heat Shield Excels

4/27/2026

Summary

Story summary

NASA completed Artemis II, returning four astronauts safely from a lunar flyby.
Orion’s heat shield performed as expected, showing less char loss than Artemis I.
Orion splashdown landed 2.9 miles from target while SLS core stage RS-25 engines shut down at over 18,000 mph, achieving planned orbital insertion velocity.
Astronaut Christina Koch troubleshooted a urine-vent line problem after launch and posted a video of a tandem-walk with eyes closed, describing vestibular adaptation.

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Story summary

NASA completed Artemis II, returning four astronauts safely from a lunar flyby.
Orion’s heat shield performed as expected, showing less char loss than Artemis I.
Orion splashdown landed 2.9 miles from target while SLS core stage RS-25 engines shut down at over 18,000 mph, achieving planned orbital insertion velocity.
Astronaut Christina Koch troubleshooted a urine-vent line problem after launch and posted a video of a tandem-walk with eyes closed, describing vestibular adaptation.