See the Best Images from the Thrilling Artemis 1 Splashdown

Up and away!

Astronaut Shannon Walker released a weather balloon from the deck of the USS Portland 24 hours prior to Orion’s reentry and splashdown. Walker, along with members of the U.S. Space Force 45th Weather Squadron, worked alongside NASA’s Landing and Recovery team and the Department of Defense.

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NASA's Orion spacecraft splashes down, concluding the Artemis 2 mission on April 10, 2026

Picture Perfect: Artemis 2 Returns Home After a Stellar 10 Days in Space

Integrity has splashed down off the coast of San Diego, bringing the Artemis 2 astronauts home.

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Artemis 2 Day 10: Follow the Mission With Our Live Updates 🔴

Gizmodo will be covering NASA's Artemis 2 mission all the way through to splashdown. Follow along with us here.

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An artistic rendering of NASA's Orion spacecraft returning to Earth

Artemis 2 Is Coming in Hot Today—Here Are the 4 Critical Phases to Watch

Each step of the Orion spacecraft’s atmospheric reentry is essential to crew safety.

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During its lunar flyby, the Artemis 2 crew captured cratered terrain, revealing the Moon’s rugged, collision-scarred surface.

Gizmodo’s Favorite Photos From NASA’s Artemis 2 Mission

The Artemis 2 crew has beamed tons of incredible photos back to Earth. Here's a look at our favorite shots.

Space & Spaceflight Ellyn Lapointe Apr 9

The Orion spacecraft, the Moon, and Earth

With Artemis 2 Flying Home, NASA Is Already Teasing Artemis 3

The agency is already formulating the next Artemis mission, which will test integrated operations between the Orion spacecraft and one or both of NASA’s Moon landers.

Space & Spaceflight Ellyn Lapointe Apr 9

Artist's conception of Orion returning to Earth.

Watch Live as NASA’s Artemis 2 Returns to Earth at a Blazing 25,000 MPH

Watch the epic conclusion of NASA's Moon mission live right here.

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