Back to Earth: What happens to the Artemis II astronauts now?

Back to Earth: What happens to the Artemis II astronauts now?

The Artemis II astronauts have successfully landed back on Earth, descending at 25,000mph (40,000km/h) and splashing down near California’s coast. Their mission marked a significant milestone, taking them farther into space than any previous human expedition, surpassing the Apollo 13 record by over 4,000 miles.

Health and Recovery

After their journey, the crew will undergo immediate medical evaluations by doctors on the US warship tasked with retrieving them. They’ll then be transported ashore via helicopter and later flown to NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. Extended time in space takes a toll on the body, leading to muscle and bone mass reduction due to the absence of gravitational pull. Posture-related muscles in the back, neck, and calves are particularly affected.

Strict exercise regimens help mitigate some of these losses, but complete prevention is challenging. After just two weeks, muscle mass can decrease by up to 20%. While this is a shorter duration compared to the International Space Station’s typical five to six month stays, it’s longer than the two to three weeks spent during the space shuttle era (1981-2011). Therefore, the health impact on Artemis II astronauts is likely less severe than earlier missions.

Personal Reflections

Astronauts are trained to stay calm, so the return to Earth doesn’t typically bring dramatic revelations. Christina Koch, who described space as the highlight of her life, said the minor inconveniences—like freeze-dried meals or a lack of privacy in the spacecraft’s toilet—were a small price to pay for the experience.

“The inconveniences, such as freeze-dried food or a toilet without much privacy, were worth it,” Koch shared in a press conference before landing.

Family Reunions

Upon arrival, the crew will be reunited with their loved ones, a moment of relief after the risky splashdown. Dr. Catherine Hansen, spouse of astronaut Jeremy Hansen, revealed their children were “so, so excited to see their dad living his dream.” She added that the family planned a quiet celebration before welcoming the world.

“We certainly will have a celebration… When Jeremy is back safely, we will absolutely come together. First just the five of us in a quiet environment to hear some of those private stories, and then we will absolutely celebrate with the world,” she said.

Future Missions

NASA hasn’t disclosed the astronauts’ plans post-mission. The three NASA astronauts remain on the agency’s roster, with more Artemis flights ahead. Artemis III is slated for 2027, and Artemis IV for 2028. The latter aims to land humans on the Moon again, though the date may shift. All members of NASA’s astronaut corps, including the four on Artemis II, are eligible for upcoming missions.

One notable event is already in motion. During his first presidency in 2017, President Donald Trump launched the Artemis program and called the crew while in space to invite them to the White House for an Oval Office reception. “I’ll ask for your autograph, because I don’t really ask for autographs much, but you deserve that,” he told them. He promised to give them “a big salute on behalf of the American people and beyond.”