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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Science
Nick Lester

First manned Moon mission in more than 50 years splashes down after epic voyage

In this photo provided by NASA, the Orion spacecraft with Artemis II crew members aboard splashes down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California, Friday, April 10, 2026. (Bill Ingalls/NASA/AP) - (AP)

Nasa astronauts have landed safely back on Earth following their record-breaking lunar flyby which marks a stepping stone towards a future Moon landing and eventual Mars mission.

The Artemis II crew splashed down off the coast of San Diego in California at 1.07am UK time and Nasa said the four crew members – Commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Canadian Jeremy Hansen – were healthy.

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