Artemis II Recovery: How the US Navy Retrieves the Orion Capsule in 2026

Introduction

The eyes of the world are fixed on the Pacific Ocean. After a historic 10-day journey that took humanity further into space than ever before, the Artemis II mission is coming home. On April 10, 2026, the Orion spacecraft is scheduled to splash down off the coast of San Diego, marking the successful conclusion of NASA's first crewed lunar flight in over 50 years.

But the mission isn't over until the crew is safely on deck. This is where the USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26) and the elite recovery teams of the US Navy take center stage. In this blog, we break down the high-stakes Artemis II recovery 2026 process, from the first parachute sighting to the moment the astronauts step back onto American soil.

Artemis II Recovery 2026: Mission Highlights

Feature	Details
Mission Name	Artemis II (NASA's First Crewed Lunar Flyby)
Splashdown Date	Friday, April 10, 2026
Estimated Time	8:07 PM EDT / 5:07 PM PDT
Recovery Location	Pacific Ocean (Off the Coast of San Diego)
Primary Recovery Ship	USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26)
Crew Members	Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, Jeremy Hansen

What is the Artemis II Recovery Mission?

The Artemis II recovery 2026 is a joint operation between NASA’s Landing and Recovery team and the U.S. Department of Defense. Unlike the Apollo missions of the 1960s and 70s, modern recovery uses an Amphibious Transport Dock ship. The USS John P. Murtha was chosen specifically for its "well deck"—a massive internal bay that can be flooded, allowing the Orion capsule to be floated directly into the ship rather than being lifted by a crane.

The Recovery Sequence: Step-by-Step

The recovery process is a choreographed dance involving Navy divers, Air Force parajumpers, and NASA engineers. Here is how the team will bring the Artemis II crew home:

1. Tracking and Splashdown

As Orion re-enters Earth's atmosphere at nearly 25,000 mph, it will be tracked by MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopters from the USS John P. Murtha. Once the capsule’s parachutes deploy and it hits the water at a gentle 20 mph, the recovery team springs into action.

2. Diver Intervention

Navy divers from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 1 are the first to arrive via small boats. Their job is to:

• Inspect the capsule for any propellant leaks.

• Install a "flotation collar" to ensure the spacecraft remains upright and stable in the Pacific swells.

3. Crew Extraction

The safety of the four astronauts—Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen—is the top priority. HSC-23 helicopters will hoist the crew from the capsule or a life raft and fly them directly to the flight deck of the USS John P. Murtha.

4. Capsule Retrieval

Once the crew is safe, the ship’s well deck is flooded. Divers attach recovery lines to the Orion capsule and winch it into the back of the ship. Once inside, the water is drained, and the spacecraft is secured for the journey back to San Diego.

Post-Flight Medical Evaluations

After spending 10 days in microgravity and enduring the intense G-forces of re-entry, the astronauts' bodies need immediate attention. The USS John P. Murtha is equipped with advanced medical bays where flight surgeons perform:

• Neurological assessments: Checking for balance and coordination issues.

• Cardiovascular monitoring: Re-adjusting to Earth's gravity.

• Physical exams: Ensuring no injuries occurred during the splashdown impact.

After these initial checks, the crew will be flown to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego before heading home to the Johnson Space Center in Houston.

FAQs on Artemis II Recovery 2026

Where exactly will the Artemis II splashdown happen?

The Artemis II recovery 2026 is targeted for the Pacific Ocean, specifically off the coast of San Diego, California. This location provides calm waters and proximity to the Naval Base San Diego for easy transport of the capsule.

Why is the USS John P. Murtha used for NASA recovery?

The USS John P. Murtha is an LPD-class ship, meaning it has a well deck. This allows NASA to recover the Orion capsule without using heavy cranes, which is safer for the spacecraft’s structural integrity.

How long does the recovery process take?

The initial crew extraction usually happens within 60 to 90 minutes of splashdown. The full retrieval of the Orion capsule into the ship’s well deck can take several hours, depending on sea conditions.

Can the public watch the Artemis II splashdown?

While the recovery site is a restricted military zone, NASA will provide a live 4K broadcast of the re-entry and recovery process on NASA+ and their official YouTube channel starting at approximately 7:00 PM EDT on April 10, 2026.

Conclusion: A New Era of Exploration

The successful Artemis II recovery 2026 marks the end of a mission but the beginning of a new chapter. By proving that the US Navy and NASA can safely return humans from the vicinity of the Moon, we pave the way for Artemis III—the mission that will land the first woman and first person of color on the lunar surface.