When is Artemis II set to splash down in the Pacific Ocean off San Diego? Date, time and what happens during re-entry explained

NASA Artemis II return to Earth: As NASA’s Artemis II mission nears the end of its historic journey around the Moon, the focus is now on its final and most intense phase, the return to Earth.

Artemis II Splashdown Date and Time: When Will NASA’s Crew Return to Earth

The spacecraft is scheduled to splash down in the Pacific Ocean off San Diego at 1:07am BST on Saturday, marking the end of a 685,000-mile journey through space, as per a Daily Mail report. But before that moment, the astronauts must pass through a fast, high-risk re-entry sequence that unfolds in just minutes.

Step-by-Step Timeline of Artemis II Re-Entry Explained

The process is reportedly supposed to begin at 12:33am BST, when the Orion spacecraft’s service module is expected to separate from the crew capsule at an altitude of about 76 miles above Earth, as reported by Daily Mail.


Just minutes later, at 12:37am, the capsule is expected to fire its engines to correctly position itself for re-entry, turning its heat shield toward the atmosphere.

At around 12:53am, the capsule will plunge into Earth’s atmosphere at speeds of nearly 25,000 miles per hour. During this phase, temperatures outside the spacecraft can reach approximately 2,760°C, while a layer of superheated plasma forms around the capsule. This plasma temporarily blocks communication with mission control, creating a tense blackout period.

Extreme Heat and Speed: What Astronauts Will Face During Re-Entry

The heat shield, only about three inches thick, is reportedly going to play a critical role in protecting the crew from these extreme conditions. NASA officials have emphasized that there is “no plan B” if this system fails, making it the most dangerous part of the mission.

Parachute Deployment and Final Descent Into the Pacific Ocean

After enduring the peak heat of re-entry, the spacecraft will begin to slow down. Two drogue parachutes are expected to deploy first, reducing speed to about 300 miles per hour. Moments later, additional parachutes will open, slowing the capsule further to under 20 miles per hour.

Recovery Operations: What Happens After Splashdown Near San Diego

Finally, at 1:07am BST, the capsule is expected to land in the Pacific Ocean, where recovery teams, including a US Navy ship, will be waiting, as per the Daily Mail report.

Recovery Operations: What Happens After Splashdown Near San Diego

From atmospheric entry to splashdown, the entire descent takes about 13 minutes, a short but intense finale to a mission that has pushed human spaceflight farther than it has gone in decades.

FAQs

When will Artemis II splash down?
The spacecraft is expected to land at 1:07am BST on Saturday.

Why is the heat shield so important?
NASA has said there is “no plan B” if the heat shield fails.