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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Riley Hoffman

Artemis II astronauts return to Earth after historic moon trip

  • Nasa's Artemis II mission successfully concluded its 10-day journey, with the four astronauts splashing down safely in the Pacific Ocean.
  • The mission broke Apollo 13's distance record, marking the farthest humans have ever travelled from Earth at 252,756 miles.
  • Despite initial concerns about the heat shield, the Orion capsule, named Integrity, made a 'perfect descent' after Nasa adjusted its re-entry trajectory.
  • During their record-breaking flyby, the crew documented previously unseen scenes of the moon's far side and a total solar eclipse.
  • The successful flight, which experienced minor technical issues, paves the way for future lunar missions, including Artemis III and the planned Artemis IV landing near the moon's south pole in 2028.

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