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Artemis Astronauts Return to Earth to Pass the Baton to Those Who Will Reach the Moon
Astronauts will dedicate their last full day in space to technically preparing the spacecraft for atmospheric re-entry, while NASA and the U.S. Armed Forces prepare for their reception on Earth.
TL;DR
- The Artemis II astronauts will spend their final full day in space preparing the spacecraft for re-entry.
- NASA and the U.S. Armed Forces are preparing for the mission's reception on Earth.
- The crew wishes to 'pass the baton' to astronauts who will travel to the Moon.
- The mission reinforced the belief that humans should 'create together' rather than 'destroy'.
- The return to Earth is scheduled for Friday, with a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean.
- Astronaut Victor Glover is eager to share the mission's findings, which lay the groundwork for a U.S. base on the Moon and future Mars exploration.
- Despite challenges like odors and confined spaces, the crew 'loved inhabiting the Orion' and will miss the camaraderie and shared purpose.
- Astronaut Jeremy Hansen emphasized the fragility of Earth and the importance of creating solutions collectively.
- Commander Reid Wiseman highlighted a pivotal moment when crewmates proposed naming a lunar crater in honor of his late wife.