CA, US & World
Artemis II Astronauts Reflect After Historic Moon Mission and Safe Splashdown
The four astronauts of NASA’s Artemis II mission are back on Earth and speaking out after completing a historic journey around the moon.
Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialists Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen safely splashed down in the Pacific Ocean Friday, marking the successful end of a 10-day mission that took them farther from Earth than any humans in history.
Speaking from the Johnson Space Center in Houston, the crew reflected on both the challenges and the significance of their journey. At times, they joked about the close quarters inside their spacecraft, but also spoke about the emotional impact of the mission.
The astronauts described the experience as life-changing, saying the bond they formed during the trip is something few others will ever truly understand. For many, the moment has yet to fully sink in.
The mission is a major step forward in NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the moon and eventually send astronauts to Mars.
NASA officials say the next phase is already in motion, with plans to announce the Artemis III crew soon. That mission will focus on testing systems needed for a future lunar landing, helping pave the way for Artemis IV, which is expected to bring humans back to the moon’s surface later this decade.
For now, the Artemis II crew is celebrating a successful mission and a safe return home, reuniting with loved ones after their groundbreaking journey.
Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.
By: NBC Palm Springs
April 12, 2026
Latest Instagram Posts
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry
What do you think is really going on here? Drop your thoughts below 👇 #therogginreport #coachella #coachellavalley #localnews #nbcpalmsprings
During the 2025-2026 school year, PEN America reported there were nearly 12,000 book bans in public schools nationwide, the largest number of book bans in a single year since the group started tracking numbers in 2021.
Delta Airlines overhauled its frequent flyer program in 2024. CNN’s Randi Kaye asks Delta CEO Ed Bastian if the airline has made it more difficult for flyers to earn status and if any further changes to the loyalty program are on the horizon.
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. Favorite Festival?
‘The Hayden’ is back @babysmarche !! John Hayden himself took a trip to the Indian Wells staple for lunch and to chat with @chefjustinsnyder on how it became the most popular item on the menu! #TheHayden
🛑A bike ride ended in tragedy Monday night in Palm Springs. A bicyclist died after being struck by a car around 8:30 PM on E. Palm Canyon Dr. The driver stayed at the scene and police say there’s no indication of foul play or impairment. ❓Saw the crash or have video from the area? Call Palm Springs police at (760) 327–1441.
Social Time: Jerry sings the end! 🎶🎵
CALIFORNIA IS AGING FAST... BUT WHERE WILL THE WORKFORCE LIVE? #therogginreport #coachellavalley #localnews #agingpopulation #nbcpalmsprings
119 jobs on the line and DRD’s General Manager won’t answer questions … Drop a comment 👇: Would you vote YES or NO on giving a district more money if they refuse to answer transparency questions? #therogginreport #drd #coachellavalley #localnews #nbcpalmsprings