NASA's Artemis Splashdown: How To Watch Live Today

NASAs Artemis Splashdown: How To Watch Live Today...

NASA's Artemis mission is set to conclude today with a dramatic Pacific Ocean splashdown, marking the first crewed lunar return since 1972. The event is trending nationwide as Americans prepare to witness history live, with coverage beginning at 11:00 AM ET. The Orion capsule will land near San Diego after its 25-day journey around the Moon.

The splashdown caps NASA's critical test flight for future Artemis missions aiming to establish a sustained lunar presence. Public interest has surged as the agency prepares to announce the Artemis II crew later this month. Schools, museums, and space enthusiasts nationwide are organizing viewing parties for the event.

NASA TV will provide live coverage on its website and YouTube channel, with major networks including CNN and Fox News carrying the broadcast. The Navy's USS John P. Murtha recovery ship is stationed near the landing zone to retrieve the capsule. Weather conditions appear favorable for the 12:40 PM ET scheduled splashdown.

This mission represents a major milestone for NASA's $93 billion Artemis program. Successful recovery of the uncrewed Orion capsule will clear the way for astronauts to orbit the Moon on Artemis II in 2024. The agency has deployed advanced tracking cameras and drones to capture the descent.

Viewers can also watch through NASA's free app or at one of 50 official watch parties at science centers across the country. The splashdown zone was moved 300 miles south due to tropical storm concerns earlier this week. NASA officials confirm the capsule endured temperatures nearing 5,000°F during reentry.

The event comes as China and private companies like SpaceX accelerate their own lunar ambitions. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson will hold a post-splashdown briefing at 3:00 PM ET today. The recovered capsule will undergo months of analysis before the next Artemis launch.