SCIENCE

San Diego ship to recover Artemis II astronauts Friday

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San Diego. The USS John P. Murtha will deploy to recover the Artemis II astronauts after the Orion spacecraft 'Integrity' is scheduled to splash down off San Diego around 5:07 p.m. PDT on Friday; Navy and NASA confirmed staged recovery teams and shipboard preparations. Recovery teams, including MH-60S helicopters, divers, and small boats, will stage hours earlier; once aboard the Murtha the crew will receive medical evaluations and be flown to NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston later that night.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

February 2024: NASA and DOD begin joint recovery practice drills off San Diego.
Months leading to splashdown: Navy divers and crews conduct scenario-based training and rig checks.
Three hours before reentry: Recovery teams and aircraft stage in open water to track Orion.
Friday, ~5:07 p.m. PDT: Orion 'Integrity' scheduled to splash down off San Diego.
Immediately after splashdown: Crew recovered to USS John P. Murtha, medically assessed, then flown to Houston.

Why This Matters to You

This is a big moment for American space exploration. The Artemis II mission marks a new era of crewed lunar missions. It's a testament to human ingenuity and a reminder of our shared quest for knowledge. If you're in the San Diego area, you might even catch a glimpse of the splashdown.

The Bottom Line

The USS John P. Murtha's role in this mission showcases the Navy's crucial support in space exploration. It's a complex, well-coordinated operation. If you're interested in space, the Navy, or both, keep an eye on this mission. Worth forwarding if you know someone who loves a good splashdown.