Artemis 2's fiery reentry: what to expect on the way home

NASA’s Artemis 2 crew will return from the Moon in the Orion capsule, following a tightly choreographed 13‑minute reentry: the heat shield will endure up to 5,000°F at about 24,000 mph with a brief radio blackout, then parachutes will slow the capsule for a splashdown in the Pacific off San Diego around 8:07 p.m. EDT; recovery by Navy divers will follow, followed by medical checks and transport home.