After a historic journey around the moon, the Artemis II crew is heading back to Earth.
The astronauts spent Wednesday completing final tests and preparing for re-entry, including daily exercise routines and testing special garments designed to help maintain blood pressure and circulation as they readjust to Earth’s gravity.
The crew captured a stunning view of the Milky Way, showing a glowing ribbon of stars and filaments -- a rare glimpse of our home galaxy from deep space.
Earlier this week, they set a record for the farthest humans have traveled from Earth and witnessed a total solar eclipse from behind the moon.
NASA officials say the flight is a test mission, with all data collected helping to inform future Artemis missions.
In preparation for the splashdown, the crew and flight control teams are securing equipment and installing seats to ensure a smooth re-entry. Astronauts will also take time to manually pilot the spacecraft.
NASA is targeting a Friday night splashdown off the coast of San Diego.
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