Back to Earth: What happens to the Artemis II astronauts now?
Back to Earth: What happens to the Artemis II astronauts now?
Successful Splashdown
The Artemis II astronauts have made a successful return to Earth after re-entering the atmosphere at 25,000mph (40,000km/h), landing off the coast of California. Their journey exceeded the previous record set by Apollo 13 in 1970 by over 4,000 miles, marking a significant milestone in human space exploration.
Experiencing the Stars
Though the journey might appear daunting, astronauts often describe space as the pinnacle of their careers. They emphasize that the challenges, like freeze-dried meals or limited privacy in the spacecraft toilet, are minor compared to the awe of space travel. Christina Koch, one of the crew members, shared this sentiment in a pre-landing press conference, stating that the hardships were worth the experience.
“The inconveniences, such as freeze-dried food or a toilet without much privacy, were worth it,” said Koch.
Post-Mission Protocol
Upon landing, the astronauts will undergo immediate medical assessments by doctors aboard the U.S. warship tasked with their recovery. They will then be transported ashore via helicopter and subsequently flown to NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston for further evaluations.
Physical Toll of Space Travel
Spending time in space takes a physical toll, as the absence of gravity leads to muscle and bone mass loss. Posture-related muscles in the back, neck, and calves are most affected. Despite strict exercise routines, astronauts can still lose up to 20% of muscle mass in just two weeks. However, the Artemis II crew’s mission duration is shorter than most, making the health impacts less severe than those of longer missions.
Reconnecting with Earth
Despite the excitement of reuniting with loved ones, astronauts typically remain composed during their return. Koch expressed longing for the teamwork and shared purpose of the mission, but noted that the experience was too compelling to be overshadowed by the end. Many past astronauts, including the first British space traveler Helen Sharman, have mentioned missing the mission’s intensity even after landing.
Family Reactions
Dr. Catherine Hansen, wife of astronaut Jeremy Hansen, spoke to BBC World Service about her family’s joy at his safe return. “Our two daughters and son were so excited to see their dad living his dream,” she said. The couple plans a private celebration with their children before sharing the moment with the public. For Commander Reid Wiseman, who has raised his teenage daughters alone since his wife’s passing in 2020, the return was especially meaningful, as he had prepared his family for the possibility of not coming back.
Future Missions
NASA keeps details of the astronauts’ post-mission activities confidential. The three NASA crew members will stay with the agency, with more Artemis missions planned. Artemis III is scheduled for 2027, aiming to achieve a lunar landing, though the timeline may shift. Artemis IV is set for 2028. President Donald Trump, who launched the Artemis program in 2017, called the crew during their mission to invite them to the White House for a formal reception. “I’ll ask for your autograph, because I don’t usually do that, but you deserve it,” he told them.
