Artemis II crew splashes down off San Diego coast after historic 10-day moon mission
NASA's Artemis II mission successfully completed a 10-day lunar journey, with the crew splashing down off the San Diego coast. The mission marked humanity's first crewed moon orbit in over 50 years. All astronauts returned safely after the spacecraft's reentry and ocean recovery.
Left-leaning outlets emphasized the historic significance of the mission and provided extensive coverage of the splashdown event itself, including live viewing guides and technical details about reentry procedures. Coverage focused on the achievement as a major milestone for space exploration.
Center and independent sources presented straightforward reporting on the mission's completion and the crew's safe return. Coverage included both the splashdown event and contextual information about what comes next for the astronauts and the broader Artemis program.
Right-leaning outlets covered the successful splashdown with celebratory framing, highlighting the mission's accomplishment and the crew's safe return. Coverage emphasized the historic nature of the lunar orbit achievement with positive language about the mission's completion.
Key Differences
- Left outlets dominated coverage with more than double the sources, suggesting greater emphasis on space exploration as a news priority compared to right-leaning outlets.
- Right-leaning sources used more celebratory language ('Yes!' and 'Welcome Home') while center sources maintained more neutral reporting tone.
- Left outlets provided more technical preparation content (reentry procedures, what to expect), while right outlets focused primarily on the successful outcome itself.
Left(34)
LA TimesAApr 11, 12:18 AM
Artemis II astronauts safely splash down off San Diego coast after historic moon mission
The Artemis II crew slammed into the atmosphere at more than 30 times the speed of sound, creating a fireball half as hot as the surface of the sun, before splashing down safely on our home planet.
LA TimesAApr 10, 2:08 PM
How to watch NASA's moon mission splash down off San Diego today
Southern Californians likely won't be able to see reentry or splashdown in person, but NASA will livestream it. Here's what you should know.
CBS NewsBApr 10, 11:11 PM
Artemis II crew set for splashdown after historic journey around the moon
The Artemis II astronauts are making their final preparations before their historic journey to the moon comes to an end when they splash down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego. Mark Stra
The NationBApr 8, 9:00 AM
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CBS NewsBApr 11, 1:13 AM
Watch Artemis II crew return to Earth in successful splashdown
The Orion capsule carrying the Artemis II astronauts successfully reentered the Earth's atmosphere and splashed down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California on Friday. Watch CBS News 24/7's c
CBS NewsBApr 11, 1:41 AM
Artemis II crew splashes down to end historic moon mission
NASA's Artemis II astronauts return to Earth with a splashdown landing in the Pacific Ocean after making a high-speed reentry through the atmosphere.
The GuardianAApr 11, 1:44 AM
Artemis II crew splashes down safely off California coast, capping historic Nasa moon mission – live updates
Nasa confirms ‘textbook splashdown’ at 5.07pm PT; all four crew members have emerged from capsule and are reportedly doing well Artemis II crew splashes down in Pacific Ocean, ending record-breaking
NBC NewsBApr 11, 12:11 AM
Artemis II splashes down in Pacific Ocean after 10-day mission
The four member crew of the Artemis II mission landed safely in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego, California, after their mission around the moon.
MSNBCCApr 10, 9:24 PM
The Artemis II mission will help us better know the moon — and the human body
Medical data from the Artemis II crew will be crucial if humans are to fly farther into space. The post The Artemis II mission will help us better know the moon — and the human body appeared first on
SalonCApr 7, 4:06 PM
How to love the moon mission without guilt
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The VergeBApr 10, 8:08 PM
How to watch the Artemis II astronauts return to Earth
The Artemis II crew – (from left) Mission Specialist Christina Koch, Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen, Pilot Victor Glover, and Commander Reid Wiseman – pause for a group photo inside the Orion spacec
NPRAApr 10, 10:48 PM
WATCH LIVE: Artemis II astronauts have splashed down on Earth
The four astronauts aboard NASA's Artemis II mission are about to plunge through the atmosphere toward Earth, after a successful visit to the moon.
CBS NewsBApr 11, 1:17 AM
What's next for Artemis II astronauts after splashdown
The Artemis II astronauts splashed down off the California coast, completing their epic journey in space. Here's what's next after their successful splashdown.
HuffPostCApr 10, 8:41 AM
Artemis II Astronauts Hurtle Home From Moon Toward Splashdown
If all goes well, the crew will end up bobbing safely in the ocean aboard its Orion capsule, dubbed Integrity, shortly after 8 p.m. ET off the coast of San Diego.
ABC NewsBApr 8, 7:21 PM
Artemis II astronauts follow Apollo tradition of naming lunar features after loved ones
Lunar love knows no bounds
MSNBCCApr 11, 12:08 AM
Artemis II mission splashes down, returning to Earth
After the first crewed flight to the moon in more than 50 years, the Orion spacecraft carrying four astronauts splashed down off the coast of San Diego. The post Artemis II mission splashes down, retu
NBC NewsBApr 10, 1:05 PM
Coverage of Artemis II's return to Earth
Watch live coverage as astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen return from their 10-day mission around the moon.
NBC NewsBApr 9, 11:59 PM
Design flaw increases risk for Artemis II crew as they plunge back to Earth
The astronauts on NASA's Artemis II moon mission are scheduled to land on Earth on Friday. But their re-entry is one of the riskiest parts of the mission, and the Orion spacecraft has known design fla
CBS NewsBApr 11, 12:26 AM
Watch: Artemis II Orion capsule splashing down off California
The capsule carrying the Artemis II astronauts splashed down off the California coast in the Pacific Ocean on Friday. Retired Lt. Col. David Mahan and former NASA astronaut Suni Williams join CBS News
NBC NewsBApr 11, 12:24 AM
Orion capsule returns to Earth safely
Orion capsule returns to Earth safely
CBS NewsBApr 11, 1:47 AM
NASA astronauts exit Orion capsule after successful Artemis II mission
The Artemis II astronauts, Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen, exited the Orion capsule following a historic mission around the moon and a successful splashdown on Earth. Re
SalonCApr 10, 2:53 PM
Here’s what the Artemis II crew is eating aboard the Orion spacecraft
Barbecued beef brisket, broccoli au gratin, cobbler and a mango-peach smoothie are just a few items on the menu
New York TimesAApr 11, 1:01 AM
How Recovery Personnel Will Secure Artemis II Capsule at Sea After Splashdown
As the spacecraft bobs in the Pacific Ocean, recovery personnel from NASA and the U.S. Navy are out at sea, tracking the capsule and other pieces of jettisoned hardware.
NBC NewsBApr 10, 11:42 PM
Service module separates from Orion as Artemis II heads home
Orion’s crew module has separated from the service module that propelled and steered Orion during the mission to the moon. NBC News’ Tom Costello explains.
NBC NewsBApr 11, 12:07 AM
Orion capsule re-enters Earth's atmosphere
The Orion capsule is beginning its fiery plunge through Earth's atmosphere. This moment, known as "entry interface," began at 7:53 p.m. ET, and marked the start of perhaps the most nail-biting 14 minu
CBS NewsBApr 11, 1:45 AM
NASA astronaut describes watching "picture perfect" Artemis II splashdown with crew's families
NASA astronaut Dr. Kjell Lindgren said the Artemis II crew's splashdown was "picture perfect" and described watching the moment with the astronauts' families and friends.
NPRAApr 10, 9:30 PM
After more than 9 days in flight, NASA's Artemis II is set to return to Earth
The four astronauts on NASA's Artemis II lunar mission are set to return to Earth Friday evening. The crew is wrapping up a journey around the moon with a planned splashdown off San Diego, Calif.
New York TimesAApr 11, 12:47 AM
See Photos From All 10 Days of NASA’s Artemis II Moon Mission
Over 10 days, the astronauts of NASA’s lunar flyby mission have achieved the near impossible.
NBC NewsBApr 11, 1:03 AM
Former NASA astronaut describes what it's like to return from space
Former NASA astronaut Steve Robinson describes what it is like to return from a mission in space and how the Artemis II astronauts might've been feeling as they splashed down in the Pacific Ocean.
LA TimesAApr 9, 10:00 AM
A cracked heat shield rattled NASA after Artemis I. Now, Artemis II will put the fix to the test
When Artemis II reenters earth's atmosphere, NASA will test out a new trajectory, calculated after the heat shield for its moon rocket was damaged during a test mission.
CBS NewsBApr 11, 12:46 AM
9 highlights from Artemis II's epic journey around the moon
The Artemis II crew's nine-day moon mission set a record for the farthest any human has ever traveled from Earth. Here's a look at the key moments.
MSNBCCApr 11, 12:22 AM
Trump’s proposed cuts to NASA are an insult to astronauts like the Artemis crew
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CBS NewsBApr 10, 10:48 PM
What Artemis II crew can expect from reentry, according to former NASA astronaut
The Artemis II astronauts are expected to splash down on Earth on Friday. Former NASA astronaut Ron Garan joins "The Daily Report" to discuss the big test for future lunar missions.
The AtlanticAApr 9, 9:29 PM
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Center(14)
USA TodayBApr 10, 10:09 AM
Artemis II crew faces risky reentry before splashdown on Earth - USA Today
Artemis II crew faces risky reentry before splashdown on Earth USA Today
The HillBApr 11, 1:31 AM
Artemis II crew splashes down safely after historic lunar mission
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Al JazeeraBApr 11, 1:04 AM
Moment Artemis II splashes down after moon mission
NASA’s Artemis II astronauts have safely splashed down on Earth, completing a landmark mission.
Al JazeeraBApr 11, 12:08 AM
Artemis II splashdown: Astronauts return to Earth after lunar mission
Artemis II crew landed in the Pacific Ocean under parachutes after a high-speed re-entry that tested its heat shield.
BBC NewsAApr 11, 12:38 AM
Back to Earth: What happens to the Artemis II astronauts now?
The astronauts will have medical checks and will be reunited with their families.
AxiosAApr 6, 6:01 PM
Artemis II just set a new distance-from-Earth record
Artemis II's four astronauts have officially gone where no one has gone before, setting on Monday a new distance-from-Earth record for human spaceflight. Why it matters: Artemis II broke Apollo 13's 2
BBC NewsAApr 11, 12:45 AM
Watch the Artemis II re-entry: Separation, blackout, then splashdown
The four crew members of the Artemis II are back on Earth after their 10-day mission to the Moon.
The HillBApr 9, 9:47 PM
Watch live: Artemis II crew holds press conference from space
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BBC NewsAApr 11, 12:38 AM
Artemis II mission was a triumph. Now comes the hard part
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The HillBApr 10, 1:43 PM
Artemis II splashdown: How to watch Orion capsule return home
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The HillBApr 10, 9:00 PM
Watch live: Artemis II crew to splash down after lunar flyby mission
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PBS NewsHourAApr 10, 8:23 PM
How will NASA get the Artemis II crew safely back on Earth? Here's the science behind splashdown
While splashdown can be harrowing – the spacecraft will hurdle through the atmosphere faster than the speed of sound and reach temperatures in the thousands of degrees – NASA has been doing it for dec
The DispatchAApr 10, 10:53 AM
Artemis II, and NASA’s Return to the Moon
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Al JazeeraBApr 10, 8:32 PM
NASA’s Artemis II prepares for splashdown on Earth
NASA’s Artemis II astronauts are preparing for re-entry
Right(18)
Washington ExaminerCApr 11, 12:09 AM
Artemis II crew splashes down off San Diego coast after historic 10-day moon mission
NASA’s Artemis II crew splashed down at 8:07 p.m. ET in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego, capping a historic 10-day mission that sent astronauts farther from Earth than any humans have eve
Daily CallerDApr 11, 12:24 AM
Artemis Crew Returns To Earth After Successful Mission
mission concluded with a successful splashdown
Just the NewsCApr 10, 12:00 AM
Artemis II crew successfully splashes down in Pacific after historic lunar mission
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Artemis II astronauts splash down after first moon mission in more than 50 years
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The Western JournalDApr 10, 9:07 PM
NASA's Artemis II Crew Prepares to Splash Down Off California Coast Friday After Successful Lunar Mission
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The Gateway PunditDApr 10, 11:40 PM
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The Western JournalDApr 11, 1:06 AM
Breaking: NASA, Navy Personnel Rush to Recover Artemis II Astronauts After Pacific Ocean Landing
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Washington TimesCApr 11, 12:09 AM
Artemis II astronauts return from moon with a splashdown to close out a record-breaking lunar voyage
Artemis II's astronauts returned from the moon with a dramatic splashdown in the Pacific on Friday to close out humanity's first lunar voyage in more than a half-century.
TownhallDApr 11, 12:07 AM
Welcome Home: Artemis II Astronauts Return After Historic Moon Orbit
RedStateDApr 11, 12:12 AM
Yes! The Artemis II Splashdown Has Happened (Updated)
Daily WireCApr 10, 6:17 PM
WATCH LIVE: Artemis II Astronauts Safely Recovered From Capsule, Airlifted To Ship
BreitbartDApr 10, 11:47 PM
Watch Live: Artemis II Crew Returns to Earth After Moon Mission
The crew of the Artemis II returns to Earth after completing their NASA mission flying around the Moon on Friday, April 10. The post Watch Live: Artemis II Crew Returns to Earth After Moon Mission app
Hot AirCApr 10, 11:55 PM
Splashdown: Orion Spacecraft Returns Home
Just the NewsCApr 10, 12:00 AM
Watch live: Artemis II crew to splash down in Pacific near San Diego after lunar mission
The crew of the Artemis II is set to splash down Friday evening at approximately 8:07 p.m. ET. The four astronauts were the first crew to journey to the moon since 1973. They traveled farther into spa
BreitbartDApr 11, 1:13 AM
WATCH -- 'Perfect Bullseye Splashdown': NASA's Artemis II Crew Returns Safely to Earth
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RealClearPoliticsBApr 10, 3:01 PM
Shoot for the Moon: Artemis II Is an Important Step
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Washington TimesCApr 10, 8:06 PM
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