The Orion capsule, nicknamed Integrity, splashed down in the Pacific Ocean on Sunday at 7:07 p.m. Central Time, completing the Artemis II mission, as reported by CBC News during its live coverage. The mission lasted nine days, one hour, 32 minutes, and 15 seconds.

Historic Mission and Canadian First

The mission marked the first time a Canadian has ventured into deep space, with astronaut Jeremy Hansen aboard. The crew conducted a flyby of the far side of the moon and gathered data on the biological impacts of deep space travel. According to CBC News’ broadcast, the crew also made an emotional request to name a newly spotted crater on the moon after a deceased member of their astronaut family, Carol.

During the broadcast, CBC News featured interviews with retired Canadian astronauts Chris Hadfield and Dr. Roberta Bondar. Hadfield described the mission as “spectacular” and praised the crew for making a complex undertaking appear “inevitably easy.” Bondar emphasized the importance of Hansen’s participation for Canadians, stating he represents “the best that we have of a generation and a best that we have of an explorer.”

Scientific Data Collection

Artemis II focused on gathering data related to the effects of deep space travel on the human body. NASA equipped the Orion capsule with six new radiation sensors. Additionally, a program called Avatar, involving organ chips with cells from the astronauts, was used to study the effects of radiation and microgravity, as explained by emergency doctor Raj Bhardwaj during the CBC News broadcast. Researchers also tracked changes in the astronauts’ immune systems and vision during the mission. According to the broadcast, astronauts reported seeing unusual colors while observing the moon.

The data collected will be used to prepare for a planned moon landing in 2028 and to improve the health and safety of future space travelers. As Dr. Bondar stated, the flight’s completion is not the end of the work, but rather the beginning of a phase focused on applying the lessons learned to future missions.

Update — 09:55

During the mission, the crew made an emotional request to name a newly discovered crater on the moon after a deceased member of their astronaut family, Carol, who was a mother. CBC News reported that the crew experienced a surreal moment going behind the moon and out of contact with Earth.

Interviews with retired Canadian astronauts Chris Hadfield and Dr. Roberta Bondar revealed Hadfield described the mission as “spectacular” and appearing “inevitably easy,” while Bondar emphasized the importance of Hansen representing “the best that we have of a generation and a best that we have of an explorer.”

The broadcast detailed NASA’s research into the effects of deep space travel on the human body, including radiation exposure, immune system changes, and vision. They are using “Avatar” organ chips with cells from the astronauts to study these effects, and an “Archer” smartwatch to gather behavioral data. The Artemis II mission splashed down at 7:07 p.m. Central Time.

Update — 10:18

The Artemis II mission lasted 10 days. During the lunar flyby, the crew made an emotional request to name a newly discovered lunar crater “Carol” after a deceased member of their astronaut family. NASA is utilizing “Avatar” organ chips, containing cells from the astronauts, to study the effects of radiation and microgravity, with potential applications for radiation therapy on Earth.

Interviews with retired Canadian astronauts Chris Hadfield and Dr. Roberta Bondar revealed Hadfield described the mission as “spectacular” and Bondar emphasized the importance of Hansen representing “the best that we have of a generation and a best that we have of an explorer.” Bondar also noted Hansen’s work will continue long after the mission’s conclusion.

The broadcast detailed NASA’s research into the effects of deep space travel on the human body, including radiation exposure, immune system changes, and vision. Astronauts reported seeing unusual colors during the mission. The crew also provided saliva samples for analysis and used “Archer,” a space-age smartwatch, to gather behavioral data.