Four Artemis II astronauts completed a historic 10-day mission around the moon, splashing down off the coast of San Diego Friday evening.

For the first time since Apollo, NASA was preparing to send astronauts around the Moon again. Artemis 2 was built to test the Orion spacecraft in the harsh environment of deep space before humans attempt future lunar landings.

B-Roll of NASA aircraft on the March Air Reserve Base flight line being wheeled into position after providing auxiliary support for the Artemis II landing on Sunday, April 11, 2026 at March Air Reserve Base,

Humanity’s Bold Return to the Moon For the first time in over 50 years, NASA is preparing to return humans to the Moon and this time, the goal is to stay. Through the ambitious Artemis program, the agency plans to build a permanent presence on the lunar surface within this decade.

While making history on the first human moon mission in more than 50 years, the Artemis 2 astronauts captured incredible pictures of our home planet.

NASA UFO files from Apollo 17, Artemis II photos and deep-space science updates highlight 321 Launch, FLORIDA TODAY's weekly space newsletter.

NASA astronaut Reid Weisman shares captivating video and images from the Orion spacecraft during the Artemis II mission.