The NASA Artemis II mission, which will include astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch from NASA, and Jeremy Hansen from CSA, is set to culminate in a dramatic splashdown in the Pacific Ocean. A hybrid team from NASA and the Department of Defense, guided by NASA’s Exploration Ground Systems Program, is set to mobilize for the recovery of both the crew and the Orion spacecraft after their approximately 10-day lunar journey.
The descent of Orion back to Earth will see the capsule decelerate from staggering speeds of near 25,000 miles per hour to a more manageable 300 miles per hour, deploying its 11-parachute array in a meticulously timed manner. This will ensure a smooth reduction of speed to 20 miles per hour for splashdown, approximately 60 miles off the shores of California, dependent on favorable weather conditions.
A specialized team from NASA’s Johnson Space Center, aptly named Sasquatch, performs preliminary splashdown mapping. They predict landing zones for parts discarded during re-entry such as the forward bay cover, parachutes, and mortars. This is crucial for ensuring the recovery team’s boats and helicopters avoid these areas.
Post-splashdown, helicopters alongside Navy divers will converge on Orion. Assessing the capsule’s surroundings for any dangers is a primary task for the divers. With the environment secured, they will fit an inflatable collar around Orion, followed by a raft, dubbed the “front porch,” aiding the astronauts’ safe egress.
“The culmination of NASA’s first crewed lunar mission in over half a century hinges on the successful execution of our meticulously planned recovery operations,” declared Lili Villareal, NASA’s landing and recovery director.
The crew will depart Orion and relocate to the front porch positioned a secure distance away, from where they will be airlifted by helicopter back to the naval ship. Each helicopter will carry two astronauts. Once aboard the ship, they’ll head to the medical bay for evaluation. This entire process is targeted to be completed within two hours of splashdown, even at nighttime.
Following the crew’s removal, Orion is prepared to be towed aboard using techniques reminiscent of those from Artemis I. Navy divers attach lines to the capsule, aiding the tow into the ship’s well deck. Inside, a winch line is connected to Orion, its stable positioning into the stand on the ship aided by the teamwork of sailors and NASA personnel.
The capsule’s precise recovery into the ship heralds the conclusion of the mission, followed by a return to Naval Base San Diego. Ultimately, Artemis missions aim not just to revisit the Moon, but also pave the way for lasting scientific endeavors, pioneering lunar activities including landing the first woman and person of color, and setting the stage for future Mars expeditions to propel human discovery and benefit society as a whole.
FAQs About Artemis II Recovery Operations
- What is the Artemis II mission?
Artemis II is NASA’s first crewed lunar mission in over 50 years, involving astronauts from NASA and the CSA. The mission will see the crew orbiting the Moon and returning to Earth with a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean. - Who is responsible for recovering the Artemis II crew and Orion spacecraft?
A combined team from NASA and the Department of Defense, led by NASA’s Exploration Ground Systems Program, is tasked with recovering the astronauts and the Orion capsule. - How will the Orion spacecraft slow down for splashdown?
Orion will use a series of 11 parachutes to reduce its speed from around 25,000 mph to about 20 mph for a safe splashdown. - What happens after Orion splashes down?
Navy divers will first ensure the safety around the capsule, then attach an inflatable collar and a raft to aid in astronaut retrieval. The crew will be helicoptered back to the naval vessel and Orion will be towed into the ship’s well deck. - How long will it take to recover the crew after splashdown?
The goal is to recover the crew and have them in the medical bay aboard the ship within two hours of splashdown. - What are the larger goals of the Artemis program?
The Artemis program aims to establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon, send the first woman and person of color to the lunar surface, involve international partners, and prepare for future manned missions to Mars.
Conclusion
The Artemis II mission represents a pivotal moment in space exploration, not only for the significant lunar orbit but also for the complex recovery efforts upon Earth’s return. Each carefully coordinated step, from the initial mapping of Orion’s discarded elements to the eventual retrieval and medical evaluation of the astronauts, underscores the magnitude of this endeavor as well as the international and interdisciplinary collaboration it embodies. As we look to the future, humanity’s pursuit of knowledge and exploration continues to break new ground, inspired by missions such as these – for the benefit of all on Earth and beyond.