NASA Photographer Captures Iconic Image of Artemis II Astronaut's Return

On April 10, 2026, the crew of NASA's Artemis II mission returned to Earth, splashing down in the Pacific Ocean. The recovery operation, led by the U.S. Navy, was documented by a photographer whose image of an astronaut in a helicopter door was subsequently released to the public.

The Recovery Operation

The Orion spacecraft splashed down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego. The amphibious transport dock ship USS John P. Murtha served as the primary recovery vessel.

Personnel from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 1, staged aboard the Murtha, participated in the operation. Two Navy MH-60 helicopters retrieved the crew from the water and transported them to the ship. The U.S. Navy later released multiple photographs and videos documenting the recovery.

The Photograph

"I'd always focus on portraits... I just really want to show who the person is."

Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class August Clawson, a Navy photographer assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 1, took photographs from the deck of the USS John P. Murtha.

One of his photographs shows NASA astronaut Christina Koch seated in the open cabin door of an MH-60 helicopter. In the image, Koch is wearing an orange NASA spacesuit. The photograph was taken during the late afternoon, with sunlight visible through the helicopter window.

Clawson stated he did not recall taking the specific photograph at the moment and only realized he had captured it approximately 30 minutes later while processing his images. He reported receiving messages from friends the following morning who had seen the photographs on television news reports and social media platforms.

Photographer's Background and Approach

Clawson has served as a Navy mass communication specialist for several years. He previously worked for three years aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington, where he photographed flight deck operations. In 2024, he was named the Department of Defense's "Communicator of the Year."

He reported to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 1 in 2025, which was involved in planning for the Artemis mission recovery. Regarding his photographic style, Clawson reiterated his focus on unposed portraits.

During the recovery, Clawson stated he attempted to be respectful and not intrusive with his camera, noting the crew had just returned from space.

Mission and Recovery Timing

The Artemis II mission launch was delayed to April 2026. Clawson stated he had hoped for an April recovery window because it would likely occur during the late afternoon, a period photographers often refer to as the "Golden Hour" due to its lighting conditions.