The four astronauts from the Artemis II mission have been safely lifted from the Orion capsule by U.S. Navy helicopters following their splashdown in the ocean. The recovery operation began shortly after the crew exited the capsule, with each astronaut hoisted aboard a helicopter for transport. They are now en route to the USS John P. Murtha, where medical teams will conduct initial health checks and provide support during the post-mission phase.
This marks a key milestone in NASA’s return to lunar exploration, as the Artemis II crew completes the first crewed test flight around the Moon. The recovery effort involved coordination between NASA, the U.S. Navy, and other agencies to ensure a smooth transition from spaceflight to land-based operations. The astronauts will remain on the ship for further evaluation before beginning their return journey to Houston.