Artemis II Orion Spacecraft Prepares for Pacific Ocean Splashdown
The Artemis II Orion spacecraft is scheduled to splash down in the Pacific Ocean on Friday, April 10, at 5:07 p.m. PDT, concluding its mission to orbit the Moon.
NASA is actively monitoring weather conditions off the West Coast to ensure optimal conditions for the landing and recovery operations. The designated splashdown zone is located approximately 50 to 80 miles offshore of San Diego, California, a choice that facilitates crew safety during reentry and capsule retrieval.
Splashdown Details
The spacecraft's return marks the completion of the Artemis II mission, which involved humans orbiting the Moon for the first time in decades. The mission launched a week prior, supported by favorable weather conditions from the Florida coast.
Recovery Criteria
Successful recovery of the Orion spacecraft in the Pacific Ocean is contingent upon specific weather conditions at the splashdown site:
- Wave heights must be less than 6 feet.
- Winds must not exceed 28 mph.
- Good visibility and minimal cloud cover are required.
- No rain or thunderstorm activity, including lightning, is permitted within 35 miles of the splashdown site.
Weather Outlook
A Pacific storm system is currently approaching the West Coast, which could increase the chance for showers and potential thunderstorms near San Diego. Additionally, a cold front is expected to be offshore of California on Friday. Despite these meteorological factors, conditions within the scheduled splashdown window are currently forecast to be favorable for recovery.
Reentry and Impact
Prior to the scheduled splashdown time, the Orion crew will enter Earth's atmosphere. During this atmospheric entry, residents near the San Diego coast may experience a sonic boom. The spacecraft will deploy multiple parachutes, progressively slowing its descent to approximately 17 mph upon impact with the ocean surface.
NASA plans to provide confirmation of the exact landing time and approximate location on Thursday.